Presentations Wiser Now Brain Fitness and Brain Exercises for Aging Well

Praise for Brain Aerobics:

Your presentations were OUTSTANDING and here are a few of the rave reviews from attendees: Wonderful speaker! . . . Great exercises!. . . I gained great insight! . . . Thank you again – it was a privilege to work with you.
~ Judy McKeller, Exec. Director, Alzheimer’s Assn., Oregon

Praise for Life Stories:

I just cannot say thank you enough for the program you presented today for our peer counselors and oral historians. You gave us a wealth of information in a format that was fun, engaging and easy to understand . . . It was truly the most interesting program we have had since I began coordinating the program.
~Linda Walker, North Shore Senior Center, Northfield, IL

Beautifully written by one of the most respected authorities on activity programming, the book gives family and professional caregivers a wealth of tools and exercises to build a caring relationship and to reminisce about good times. The book will bring smiles to any reader and help employees in residential, day or home settings experience more success in their daily interactions with residents.
~ David Troxel, co-author of "The Best Friends Approach" book series

Presentations

As a workshop presenter, with more than 20 years of experience related to eldercare topics, Kathy Laurenhue:

Is highly flexible as to times and locations
Works equally well presenting directly to consumers (family and professional caregivers) or leading train-the-trainer workshops for professionals or volunteers
Believes in interactive presentations where attendees learn by doing – making anyone capable of leading programs
Provides dozens of resources and hands-on experience using many of them

Brain Aerobics for the Stressed Mind

This presentation reflects the values expressed in Brain Aerobics Weekly, as summarized in three words:

Ha-ha
Ah-ha
Aaaahhh

We want attendees to first of all laugh and have fun, because relaxed learners learn more. Plus, laughter brings oxygen to the brain to literally "freshen" our thinking. That's the ha-ha. Second, we want to foster curiosity so attendees learn new information - that's the ah-ha. Third, we want them to get lost in the pleasure of doing something they really enjoy.
That's the aaaahhh.

This workshop provides brain teasers for adults by using logic exercises, word puzzles, imagination, and visual perception. Depending on time allotted, it also offers an interest survey, a humor survey, hands-on experiences and a lengthy resource list. Gain ideas for spontaneous programming that anyone can lead!

Getting to Know You

This interactive presentation is based on Kathy Laurenhue’s book published by Health Professions Press, Getting to Know the Life Stories of Older Adults: Activities for Building Relationships. (Click here to order the book from Amazon at great savings from retail prices.) The emphasis is on mutual understanding that arises from having fun together, and sharing our stories, values and opinions.

Most of the exercises can be used intergenerationally or with children and young adults and also can be adapted for people with dementia or for one-on-one situations such as assisting with care or for family visits. Come for the exercises and fun, the ideas and insights, and the list of resources.

“A rich resource with uncommon versatility.”
~ Dorothy Seman, author, nurse, and clinical coordinator of home and community-based care programs for the Jesse Brown VA, Chicago, IL