Guest View

By John Nadeau

Laguna Woods, south of Los Angeles, is a remarkable community even for California.

Its a sprawling retirement complex of 20,000 that is the center of what could be the worlds largest study of mental acuity in older adults.

Since the University of Southern California began it in 1981, the study has included more than 14,000 people age 65 or older and more than 1,000 age 90 or older.

When they arrive at Laguna Woods, their minds are all sharp whatever their age.

The focus of the research, however, is on those who have lived past age 90 without a trace of dementia. Scientists are trying to analyze what is essential in preserving mental sharpness to the end of life.

These are the most successful agers, and theyre only beginning to teach us what is important in their genes, in their routines, in their lives, says Dr. Claudia Kawas, a neurologist at the University of California, Irvine.

The researchers use genetic tests, check residents memory, track daily activities, and sometimes even perform postmortem analyses of the brains.

While studies of this sort can take decades to yield substantial results, there are already some clues.

Among the age 90-plus group, evidence suggests those who spend three hours or more every day in mental activities doing crossword puzzles, playing cards, or reading and discussing books may delay the onset of dementia.

Beyond that, theres evidence now that the more people you have contact with, the better you do, Dr. Kawas says. Interacting with people regularly uses easily as much brain power as doing puzzles, and it wouldnt surprise me if this isnt what its all about.

Many members of the 90+ Society, as it is called, are intense bridge players. Contract bridge requires a strong memory, because you have to remember all the cards played, and a relationship with a partner and two opposing players.

The Creative Retirement Institute at Edmonds Community College cant offer you bridge. Youll have to find that someplace else.

But it does offer you college-level, non-credit courses that are very stimulating indeed. They are open to all adults over age 50.

There are no exams or grades to worry about, and you can participate in classes to the extent you wish.

Besides the classes, you can enjoy the social aspects of the program: attending luncheons during the academic year and a summer picnic or serving on a committee that plans courses and special events.

If you have experience as an instructor or have special knowledge youd like to share, you might like to teach students.

Does the CRI experience duplicate that of Laguna Woods? Not exactly. But it does offer the mental stimulation and social interaction the California community provides.

We have been offering this program since 1993. We know how to do it.

Learn more about CRI by visiting the web site at www.cri.edcc.edu or by phoning 425-640-1830.