Title: Promoting Brain Health and Community Engagement: The Council on Aging’s Impact: A recent study from the Barcelona Brain Health Initiative highlights the importance of life purpose in protecting against cognitive decline as we age offering encouraging news for middle-aged adults worried about cognitive decline. For many, finding purpose is deeply intertwined with community involvement, such as volunteering for organizations like the Council on Aging (COA).
Researchers have found that having a strong sense of purpose in life can help protect against age-related brain changes, potentially reducing the risk of cognitive impairment. As we age, structural brain changes can lead to declines in cognitive function, and in some cases, more severe impairments or dementia. However, the study, involving 624 healthy individuals, reveals that those with a higher sense of life purpose were better equipped to withstand these effects, even when brain lesions were present.
But what exactly is life purpose? It’s about having goals and direction that align with our values—what the Japanese call “ikigai,” the reason we get up every morning. Cultivating this sense of purpose could be a strategy for preventing cognitive decline, suggesting that interventions aimed at helping individuals find purpose may maintain brain health as we age. In a world where effective treatments for cognitive decline are still lacking, identifying factors like life purpose is crucial. Alongside exercise, diet, and cognitive training, having a sense of purpose could be vital in preserving cognitive function as we grow older.
And that’s why I volunteer for the Council on Aging. Volunteering gives me purpose in this phase of life called “Elderhood”. The council’s mission to build an age-friendly community aligns with my values, and serving on the board of directors enables me to contribute my skills to my community.
Every April, the Council reviews it’s accomplishments and installs a new board of directors. To that end, in my capacity as Chairperson, I share some statistics that highlight the significant impact and positive outcomes achieved by the COA during the COVID pandemic and beyond.
- Exceptional Community Outreach during COVID: Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, COA volunteers ensured the well-being of older adults by providing vital services and preventing isolation of 605 individuals.
- Outstanding Fundraising Success and Infrastructure Development: From 2021 to 2023, the COA raised an impressive $282,000, leading to significant enhancements at the Community Center, including a shade pavilion, Pickleball courts, and a memorial park.
- Impressive Financial Growth of the Community Thrift Store: The COA’s thrift store saw a substantial revenue increase from $8,902 in 2019 to $18,103 in 2023, all contributing to supporting community services.
- Explosive Growth in Council on Aging Membership: With over 700 members, the COA continues to expand its reach, meeting increasing needs of older adults in New Hampshire.
- Volunteer Powerhouse and Unprecedented Support: In 2023, over 100 volunteers dedicated 11,298 hours, demonstrating remarkable commitment to the well-being of older adults in the community.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate the COA’s dedication to addressing the needs of older adults, fostering community engagement, and successfully executing fundraising initiatives to enhance facilities and services. The growth in membership and volunteer engagement further emphasizes the organization’s positive impact on the well-being of older adults in the community.
Looking ahead, the COA has formed a Community Trail Coalition (CTC), boasting a membership of 180+ people, to promote access and expand programming. Future goals, including enhancing sidewalk networks, advocating for road improvements, collaborating with local decision makers in preparing for the housing and service needs of older adults who do not want to move from their homes as they age, and hiring a town social worker for the benefit of all Pelham residents.
In summary, COA’s efforts not only promote brain health, but also foster community engagement, reflecting a commitment to creating an age-friendly environment where older adults can thrive.
Yvonne La-Garde, Chairperson
Pelham NH Council on Aging & Community Trail Coalition
PelhamNHCOA.org; ContactPelhamCTC@Gmail.com