Brain health is the hot new topic and the players at Eagle’s Trace are ahead of the game

By Sunny McKinnon
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

A December issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that exercising one’s brain, and one’s body, could help stave off dementia in older adults.

As well, Dr. Paul Nussbaum, a clinical neuropsychologist and professor at the Pittsburgh School of Medicine, says new brain research indicates that we can continue to help our brains develop well into later life.

Everyone’s invited
Individuals who live at Eagle’s Trace, with a readymade contingent of fellow game players, are way ahead of the brain game.

Nightly groups gather to play everything from dominoes to duplicate bridge. On an individual basis, crossword puzzles are the order of the day. And, a variety of classes challenge individuals to be lifelong learners.

“Have you ever seen the games at Eagle’s Trace?” asks Joyce Rasco, who has lived in the community since November 2005. “We have hundreds. We have Game Night every night, except Sunday, and usually every table in the living room is full.”

Every resident is invited, and most every night, about 50 individuals gather for an evening of fun and fellowship – and, of course, mental challenge.

One table might be bridge. Another a healthy game of poker. Still other players are enjoying the popular domino game Mexican Train, while others indulge in board games.

“It’s such a good way of getting acquainted with people. We start at seven and stop at nine,” continues Joyce, who also says she’s an avid crossword puzzle solver. “And, with the climate controlled walkways, even in awful weather everyone shows up. We don’t have to worry with the rain or cold.”

Along with Game Night, regular groups have formed to play bingo, canasta, bunco, Mah Jongg, and more. Plus, there are many classes for individuals to continue lifelong learning.