SHARP Lesson Plan
Workshop:Strategies to keep your brain and memory sharp
Audience: 15-35 adults over the age of 50, with varying experience and education.
Rationale: With increased life spans and an aging population, it will become increasingly important, for older adults to maintain their health (cognitive, physical, and emotional), abilities and quality of life. Education can play a vital role in facilitating this process.
It is hoped that this workshop can assist in providing more power and ability to cope with the transitions associated with aging, as per the theory of margin developed by Howard McClusky. Both coping and power needs will be addressed by providing workshop participants with tools to maintainand aid their memory.
“Fear of memory loss is a common concern of people as they age” Merriam, Caffarella & Baumgartner, 2007, p. 392). As such, it is such an important issuethat can be addressed in a workshop on keeping the brain and memory sharp.
Objectives – At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
1)Identify how memory works
2)Understand what affects memory
3)Identify and discuss methods to preserve and aid memory
4)Develop a personal plan to preserve and aid memory
Length – 2 hours with a 15 minute break
Location: A training room at Breithaupt Center and community organizations.
Room layout:
- Depending on the room, U shape or small tables on a diagonal is preferable. If not, tables of 4 spaced around room on a diagonal. This is preferred, so that a collaborative atmosphere is established. There needs to be face to face contact. This also aids in hearing.
- Padded or fabric chairs where possible rather than hard plastic.
- Select rooms that do not have loud overhead fans, where possible.
- Have sound amplifying system available if needed.
- Ensure the room is not too hot or cold, where possible.
- Room with plenty of light, dimmer switch preferred for power-point, if not available, small lights on an extension cord.
Materials:
-Name tags
-PowerPoint projector, USB sticks and CD of power point presentation (slides use at least 20pt, verdana font).
-CD player, 2 relaxation CD’s or IPod
-Handouts - hand out based on presentation, SHARP crossword puzzle
-Pamphlets related to healthy aging from the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Health Canada, Alzheimer Society
-Healthy Aging books on display
-Flip chart and paper
-Lined paper, pens, pencils, highlighters for participants to take notes
-Water and paper glasses
-Healthy snacks
Method: Large group activities (for longer workshops, small group will be added).
Questioning Method of loci visualization
Brainstorming Diaphragmatic breathing
Brain gymRelaxation visualization
Mnemonic activities Story telling
Inspirational quotes Jingle or chant for SHARP review
SHARP Toss for action plan SHARP crossword
Format:
This initial workshop is designed with the Be Well Healthy Aging conference in mind (to be held next April) and as such, it is designed for their format. Be Well workshops consist of a 45 minute session or two 45 minute sessions with a 15 minute break in between.
This workshop could be adapted to a longer workshop such as three hour, half day workshop. This would facilitate small group work for some of the brainstorms and an icebreaker to get more acquainted, as well as an extra break for mingling and comfort.
Procedure:
-Check for temperature, lighting controls, vision from various parts of the room, audio level.
-Create a warm, comfortable and safe environment –greet participants.
-Provide name tags, pens, paper, handouts, encourage taking written notes
-The format will consist of whole group, question and answer and brainstorming, following the presentation of the power point. (Please see SHARP power point presentation and corresponding notes for details). There also will be story-telling, inspirational quotes, and hands on / applicable activities to use at home.
-Read agenda
-Question to get interest – Can you teach an old dog new tricks? Followed by responses and quote
-Discussion of how memory works
-What affects memory
-Introduce and discuss SHARP tools – stimulate brain, healthy body (through nutrition, activity, stress management).
-Brain gym
-Sharpen Saw story
-Brainstorm on how to manage stress
-Guided visualization for relaxation
-Nutrition and stretch break
-Aids for memory
-Importance of relationships
-Positive outlook (stats, quote, Charles Swindoll verse)
-SHARP chant or jingle
-SHARP toss / action plan – strategies to try at home
-SHARP crossword for those who want to challenge themselves
Evaluation:
Group repetition of SHARP chant or jingle
Feedback forms provided by the City of Kitchener for the conference
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