Ep 59 - Empower Your Retirement: Strategies for Boosting Brain Health with Jen Johnstone and Sarah Cook (Alzheimer’s Society)
In this engaging podcast conversation, Jen Johnstone (Executive Director) and Sarah Cook (Education Program Supervisor) from the Peterborough and Area Alzheimer’s Society shed light on the challenges retirees face when providing care for loved ones with Alzheimer's.
Drawing from their extensive experience, they offer valuable insights into maintaining cognitive health during retirement, emphasizing the importance of staying socially active, challenging the brain with various activities, and embracing new experiences. Beyond advice on brain health, they discuss financial preparedness for potential Alzheimer's care costs, urging retirees to consider advanced care planning and open conversations with family members about end-of-life wishes.
The Alzheimer's Society stands ready to assist, offering education, one-on-one support, and access to support groups, ensuring that families impacted by Alzheimer's can navigate their caregiving journey with strength and resilience.
What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:
Maintaining Cognitive Health in Retirement: The podcast emphasizes the significance of taking proactive steps to maintain cognitive health during retirement. This includes engaging in activities that challenge the brain, staying socially active, following a brain-healthy diet, and maintaining physical activity.
Financial Preparedness for Alzheimer's Care: Retirees are encouraged to plan for potential Alzheimer's care costs. The conversation underscores the importance of advanced care planning and initiating conversations with family members about end-of-life wishes, including financial and care-related matters.
The Power of Sharing Personal Stories: Inspiring stories are shared about retirees who have made a positive impact in the Alzheimer's community. These stories highlight the value of sharing personal experiences and leaving a lasting legacy, demonstrating that individuals can continue to shape their impact as the disease progresses.
Resources and Support from the Alzheimer's Society: The Alzheimer's Society offers a range of resources and support to help retirees navigate Alzheimer's caregiving challenges. This includes one-on-one and family support, support groups, and educational opportunities to equip caregivers with the knowledge and skills needed for the caregiving journey.
Upcoming Events and Community Engagement: The podcast promotes upcoming events like the annual fire truck pull fundraiser and night out gatherings organized by the Alzheimer's Society. These events not only raise funds but also foster a sense of community and connection for retirees and their loved ones impacted by Alzheimer's.
Ideas Worth Sharing:
"Just like the rest of our body, we have to do a really good job of looking after the brain. And sometimes people will say, well, is it too soon or too late to make changes that can either improve or maintain our brain health? And we always say that it's never too soon or too late."
"Dementia is not the end. And that's something that people often feel, that if they get a diagnosis of dementia, it's the end. It's not. You can absolutely live well with dementia for a very long time."
“One of the biggest things that retirees can do is really share your story... There are so many beautiful stories that we have here that we share on our social media channels with our clients and our supporters. We think, well, no one cares about me. No one's interested in what happened in my life, but there is something absolutely extraordinary in the ordinary and in your personal experience."
"And I guess the last isn't really that unconventional. I'm sure you talk about it all the time on your show, but it's planning. It's that planning ahead, making sure your powers of attorney, you've decided who they are, put those in place."
"The most important thing for caregivers and family members of those that are living with dementia is that the Alzheimer's Society is here to help them every step of the way, right through their caregiving journey."
"Dementia is, on average, not in every case, but in a lot of cases, a very slow-moving disease. And there are a lot of opportunities if we catch it early. So make sure you reach out. If you've got any memory concerns, don't ignore those."
Resources in Today’s Episode:
Jen Johnstone – Executive Director of Peterborough & Area Alzheimer's Society
Sarah Cook – Education Program Manager of Peterborough & Area Alzheimer's Society
Alzheimer's Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland & Haliburton
18-360 George St. N, Peterborough, ON K9H 7E7 - (705) 748-5131
Fire Truck Pull 2023 – September 22nd 2023
Retirement Planning Simplified
Ep # 29 – Executor Help with David Edey
Ep # 31 – YRPS - Courageous Conversations with Jane Blaufus
From Memory Concerns to Peace of Mind: Proactive Steps for Brain Health - Jen Johnstone
Jen Johnston and Sarah Cook from the Alzheimer’s Society are deeply invested in the importance of maintaining brain health during retirement. The onset of a condition like dementia doesn't signify the end; instead, they emphasize how it's possible to thrive amidst the storm. Inspired by the resilience of their clients, who defy the odds through robust support networks and active lifestyles, they underline the importance of early intervention and planning.
They give the example of Dan, a dementia patient, who chose to create enduring connections by personally thanking each donor, leaving them moved. The strength of his story resonates across the community, challenging the typical narrative associated with dementia. Fostering such narratives, they concur, is crucial to battling the stigma around dementia and inspiring more people to plan ahead.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Understand the significant role of maintaining brain health can play in enhancing the quality of your retirement.
Grasp the importance of financial preparation for potential Alzheimer's care costs in the golden years of your life, safeguarding your peace of mind.
Appreciate the value of early advanced care planning and open conversations about end-of-life desires, easing the burden on loved ones.
Recognize the positive ripple effect retired individuals can create in the Alzheimer's community through the sharing of personal narratives and support.
Learn about the abundant resources and aid offered by the Alzheimer's Society, ready to support individuals and families navigating the challenges of dementia.
Financial Planning for Alzheimer's Care
Retirement is meant to be a serene phase of our lives. Still, reality strikes when we realize that some things are unavoidable, like the financial costs associated with caring for someone with Alzheimer's. Planning for these costs should be just as crucial as planning for our regular retirement expenditures. Remember, various resolutions for in-home support for dementia may come without full funding. In Jen Johnstone's view, the reality of managing such costs should not be underestimated. She points out that private agencies often need to be engaged, leading to higher costs, thus the need for careful planning. Let's factor these realities into our retirement plans to ensure we have the necessary resources to cover potential expenses.
Retirees Making a Positive Impact in the Alzheimer's Community
We all want to leave a mark in our communities, don't we? In the Alzheimer's community, personal stories often bring about change and awareness. Retirees have the time and experiences to contribute significantly in this sphere, through volunteering or sharing their stories. Jen Johnstone and Sarah Cook share inspiring cases of retirees who've been contributors and advocates for Alzheimer's support. These people are shaping the Alzheimer's community by raising awareness and offering much-needed support to the affected. It's proof that our twilight years can still be impactful and rewarding!
Improved brain health and cognitive function in retirement
Keeping our brains healthy and active doesn't have to be a complex puzzle. It's all about incorporating various strategies into our daily routine. This means staying socially active, challenging the brain, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and making healthy lifestyle choices. All these are as essential as visiting your doctor regularly. Just as we'd take care of any vital organ, they encourage us to nurture our brains to keep dementia at bay. They recommend trying new activities and cultural experiences to keep the brain engaged. After all, with age should come not just wisdom, but also a spirit of adventure and learning!
In a world where dementia is often seen as a devastating end, Jen Johnstone and Sarah Cook from the Alzheimer’s Society have dedicated their lives to the importance of brain health in retirement. Their story is one of resilience, early intervention, and the power of planning