New sessions at library strive to sharpen senior minds

MADISON – Just like the human body needs regular exercise, a person’s brain — especially someone who is entering his or her retirement years —  needs a consistent pattern of problem solving and reinforcement.

Madison Public Library is offering a new series, “Brain Building for Seniors,” that will offer a selection of activities for senior citizens to help boost brain power and memory.

Michelle Brightwell, who works as Adult Services Librarian in Madison, will lead the sessions. The meetings are free.

“We started Brain Building for Seniors to provide more regular programming for retired Madison residents. We hope the sessions will enrich their library experience,” Brightwell said.

Brightwell will use strategies to involve the senior citizens and “will engage them in the curriculum. It’s an hour for senior citizens to come together to meet new people, have conversations and activate areas of the brain that might not regularly be engaged,” she said.

“Research shows that activities that activate the brain like Sudoku, crosswords and even coloring, can keep memory from deteriorating in retirement,” Brightwell said.

Madison Public Library “provides a selection of activities to encourage participants to keep their brains active while also allowing participants to have conversation while doing so,” Brightwell said. “As the sessions gain in popularity, we will provide more specific activities and lectures, have technology introductions and explanations, along with sessions dedicated to board games.”

Brain Building for Seniors sessions will meet weekly on Thursdays at 10 a.m. in Auditorium 2. The library’s street address is 142 Plaza Blvd.

For more information, call 256-461-0046, email mbrightwell@hmcpl.orgvisit or visit hmcpl.org/branches/Madison.