ABOUT FITNESS FOR YOUR AGING BRAIN
For the past decade, Jill has used her close to 4000 live and virtual classes to develop a new concept of fitness programming for older adults focusing first and foremost on exercising the brain so it is better equipped to care for an aging body. Based on the latest research in neuroscience and geriatrics, Fitness for Your Aging Brain employs music, object manipulation and movement patterns to stimulate and enhance cognitive function while building strength, and resilience for better aging.
While the body is working on improving balance, coordination, aerobic capacity, and muscle strength, the brain is working on an ever-changing series of entertaining and challenging mental tasks, all timed to the rhythm of lively and energetic music.
Each class includes a 5-minute Healthy Brain Tip that delves deeply into some cutting-edge scientific research and explains how to apply the findings to daily life to help maintain physical and cognitive health at all ages.
Educational, engaging, and entertaining, these classes will get you ‘literally’ thinking on your feet.
THIS PROGRAM HAS TWO STREAMS:
1. DEMENTIA PREVENTATIVE STREAM
These classes are found on my YouTube site. They are designed for those with a healthy brain who wish to maintain or improve cognitive wellness as they age. Exercises can be modified for those who need to work in a seated position. Classes may be done individually in your home or as a group in your local community centre.
2. DEMENTIA CARE PARTNER STREAM
The brand-new program is designed for care partners where one person is exhibiting signs of Alzheimer’s, MCI or other forms of dementia and the other is assuming a caregiving role. Both partners partake equally in the class and both share in the benefits of physical exercise, cognitive stimulation, and stress reduction. The class is designed to be a light-hearted activity spiced with laughter. The class teaches participants non-verbal communication skills that help deepen the bond and trust between caregivers and receivers.
THREE WAYS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PREVENTATIVE STREAM
1. PURCHASE A PAID SUBSCRIPTION FOR YOUTUBE CLASSES
A six-month subscription gives unlimited access to an ever-changing bank of YouTube classes There are always 8 classes to work through at any time. Subscribers set their schedule to do the classes and may repeat a class as often as they wish. I recommend doing each class two or three times before moving on to the next to encourage muscle memory.
A $60 CAD [$10/month] six-month subscription grants unlimited access to an ever-changing bank of hour-long classes hosted on my YouTube channel.
Click the button below, complete the form, and submit payment. Upon receipt, you will be sent access to the current bank of YouTube classes.
2. REGISTER FOR LIVE ZOOM CLASSES
Live interactive Zoom classes have a set day and time. You will be joining older adults across the country to take part in the class. Live classes are approximately 80 minutes long and include a Healthy Brain Tip with live Q&A followed by a casual 15-minute chat to get to know fellow participants.
Click the button below, complete the form, and submit payment. Upon receipt, you will be sent a registration confirmation and instructions for participation.
3. LIVE GROUP CLASSES HOSTED IN A PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATION’S FACILITY
Public libraries, community centres, seniors’ associations, community health clinics, and faith-based organizations can host a live group class within their facility. These classes can be included as part of the centre’
Click the button below and complete the form to receive an information package with instructions for how your organization can include these classes in regular programming and host them in your facility.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NEW DEMENTIA CARE PARTNER STREAM
This new online program begins in the Fall of 2024
The new Dementia Care Partner classes are designed to be done by a two-person team where one partner is currently experiencing symptoms of cognitive decline. Both caregiver and receiver benefit from the physical and cognitive challenges, musical stimulation, laughter, and stress-reducing hormones generated in each class. These entertaining partner exercises reinforce and build a sense of camaraderie between care partners.
The new Dementia Stream Series is being piloted right now and will be available in mid-2024. I will contact you when registration opens.
Place your name on the waiting list by clicking the button below.
Click the button below and complete the form. Your name will be placed on the wait list for registration which opens in the summer of 2024. In the meantime, you will receive information on how the class works, an introductory video and a sample class to try with your care partner.
Video clip from a live Dementia Care Partner class