By Marlene Robertson
Ho, ho, holy moly Batman.
It’s suddenly December and if you aren’t one of the very few over achievers who have already finished their Christmas shopping, you have your work cut out for you.
Most of us have some ‘no sweat’ buys on our list – people who are easily pleased or aren’t shy about passing on their wish list.
Then there is the “good heavens, what am I going to get for Johnny” list.
I’m at the time of my life where I really don’t need much, and remind my family of that every year. My idea of a perfect gift is a visit with them, a phone call or my favourite, an ElderCollege membership and course.
What a great gift for the special people in your life who are over 50 years old. The courses offered are so varied you’re sure to find the perfect fit. The new Winter Course Calendar is now available. Check for it on line at www.viu.ca/eldercollege, or call toll free 1-866-734-6252 for more information.
I must confess that I have an ulterior motive for suggesting ElderCollege gifts for Christmas.
We’re living so much longer, and as a result many of us will have 25 to 30 years of retirement. That’s a long vacation for your brain, and can be challenging for its health and your emotional well-being.
I hope to have many more productive years ahead of me, as I’m sure you do, but if my brain can’t keep up with me as I march through my 70s, there’s not much hope.
Unlike a dog, we can’t put it on a leash and take it out for a walk.But we can have continued brain health by exercising our brains.
How do we do that? Lifelong learning and taking advantage of, or creating new challenges is the perfect way to help keep our brains healthy. Look at it as a sound and wise retirement plan for you and your brain.
So don’t run out and buy another scarf, tie, or pair of gloves for those over 50 on your list. For only $15, you can give an Elder College membership and most courses are priced at just $40 plus tax. It’s a pretty inexpensive and unique gift.
And speaking of health, the subject of the upcoming spring Saturday Speakers Series is How Healthy is our Health-care System? There are six sessions commencing February 23, so sign up now.
Something else new this spring is a third semester starting in May and featuring a variety of courses running from two to four weeks, 1.5 to two hours long.
If you have an interest, hobby or area of expertise you’re willing to share on a volunteer basis, please give Regan a call at 250-740-6536 or e-mail her at regan.mckeever@viu.ca. You could be an important part of the new third semester.
For more information call toll free 1-866-734-6252 or e-mail pqcampus@viu.ca
Ready, set, go. Start now to maintain your brain, and have a wonderful holiday season.