There is a common phrase that most people have heard and repeated many times, You cant teach an old dog new tricks.  With the research of today, we now know that this is simply not entirely true. Old dogs can learn new tricks! Your brain has a remarkable way of mastering new skills, whatever your age. Newer research has shown that the brain never stops changing in response to learning.You may or may not have heard the buzz regarding brain neuroplasticity that has been growing in the last decade. So, what is it? Why is it important? What can you do in order to improve your own neuroplasticity?Neuroplasticity is a broad umbrella term that refers to the brains ability to change and adapt due to experiences. Neuroplasticity allows nerve cells to be malleable, change, or adjust. However, the brain is not infinitely malleable. Damage in critical areas of the brain such as movement, speech and cognition can result in deficits in those areas. While some recovery may be possible, it is simply not possible for another area of the brain to take over those functions.     Benefits of neuroplasticity include, but are not limited to:-          The ability to learn new things-          The ability to enhance existing cognitive capabilities-          Recovery from strokes and traumatic brain injuries-          Strengthening areas where function is lost or has declined-          Improvements that can boost brain fitness and enhance memory abilitiesWhat can you do to help enhance neuroplasticity? Check with your local Senior Center to see what classes are offered that can encourage your brain to adapt and change.-          Travel and explore new places to expose your brain to new environments and open up new pathways in the brain.-          Create art. Be creative and engage in oil painting, watercolors, acrylics, sewing, gemstone faceting, and more!-          Physical activity and Dancing.o   Find an exercise class that suits your current activity level. Check your local Senior Center for offerings like Silver Sneakers classes, Zumba, Swimming, Yoga, Pilates, Taijifit, Flyswatter Volleyball and more!o   Get up and dance! There is a variety of dance classes suitable to all!o   Try a sport that challenges hand eye coordination like ping-pong, pickle ball, racquetball, or even juggling.  For an extra challenge to strengthen the connectivity between neurons, use your non-dominant hand to play!-          Get adequate sleep.-          Learn how to play an instrument.-          Learn a new language.-          Reading Fiction. This can increase connectivity in the brain as well as expand vocabulary, which activates the visual, auditory, and memory processes.-          Intermittent fasting. Research has shown an increase in synaptic adaption, promotion of neuron growth, improvement with overall cognitive function, and the decreased risk of neurodegenerative disease. Always consult with your physician to see if intermittent fasting is appropriate for you. About the author:Sara Tucker, MA, CTRS is the Director of Senior Programs at the Colorado Springs Senior Center. Sara has degrees in Therapeutic Recreation and Recreation Administration. Prior to joining the Senior Center, Sara was a clinical Recreation Therapist specializing in neurological rehabilitation.  If you have any questions, please call Sara at 719-955-3400.

Have you ever walked through the doors of the Colorado Springs Senior Center? Are you reading this and saying that you don't need the Senior Center.We encourage you to visit the website www.csseniorcenter.com to view all the class schedules or come by and pick them up. You are also invited to walk through the doors to be amazed at what you will find! Our staff is proud to say that we break down the stereotype of aging so don't allow yourself to think that we are just for old people. We are NOT your grandmothers senior center!The Colorado Springs Senior Center offers classes, trips, education, events and services for you to get involved, stay active, meet new people and have some fun! There are so many different things to choose from we think you might have trouble deciding. The class schedules are available every December, May and August. Over 260 activities, each season, are what you will have to pick from and how exciting is that? The benefits of getting involved are endless. If you are newly retired, newly single, or just looking for some new activities in your life, join one of our Newcomers Orientations to meet others that are NEW too.You will find arts and crafts, fitness, health and dance classes, along with day trips and overnight travels, computer, and lifelong learning classes. The Senior Center also hosts entertaining special events each month, along with dancing to live bands every Thursday afternoon from 1:30-3 p.m. and the 3rd Sunday of each month from 3-5 p.m. Some of the annual events include the Arts and Crafts Fair the first weekend in November, the Senior Center Chorale of the Rockies Concert in December, AARPs Tax Assistance Program that starts in February and the El Paso County Bar Associations Senior Law Day in August. The Senior Center also offers several health clinic services provided by local medical professionals. Toenail trimming, acupuncture, hearing tests, blood pressure checks and body massages. Some of the services have a nominal fee and require calling for an appointment. Other professional services include insurance, legal, and real estate assistance along with support groups that include low vision, COPD, depression and grief and loss. Please call us at 387-6000 for more information.The mission of the Senior Center is to offer quality of life experiences to adults 55 years of age and older. The center is a place to connect with people and engage in a community where everyone knows your name and they are always glad you came! Stop in and see us soon at 1514 N. Hancock Ave. just two blocks north of Uintah.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Mendy Putman, Director of the Colorado Springs Senior Center. She can be reached at 719-387-6000

Do you want to challenge your brain by experiencing something new? Is the creative side of you ready to explore new worlds on a canvas? Are you looking for a fun social outlet? Then the Colorado Springs Senior Center is the place for you! The Colorado Springs Senior Center offers classes in arts, general education, computers, fitness, health, dance and personal business. We have day trips and overnight travel options for the adventurous soul. We host entertaining special events each month, with dances to live bands every Thursday afternoon and the 3rd Sunday of the month. All these options will allow you to stay active, meet new people and have fun! Take advantage of the variety of health clinic services provided by local medical professionals, such as foot care, blood pressure checks and body massage. Some of the services have a nominal fee and require calling for an appointment. Other professional services include insurance assistance, legal aid and real estate guidance, along with a variety of support groups that include such topics as low vision, depression and grief and loss. Not only do we have all these great services, but we also offer low cost, nutritious meals as a host site of the Golden Circle Nutrition Program. GCNP serves lunch Monday thru Friday at the Senior Center for a suggested donation of $2.25 for those age 60 and older. This is a great way to enjoy your mid-day meal while visiting with other people. Sign up for a class or special event and make a day of it! The mission of the Colorado Springs Senior Center is to offer quality of life experiences to adults 55 years of age and older. We value each person who walks through our doors and smiles, laughter and hugs are found here. We encourage you to come see all the possibilities that are available to you. We are located at 1514 N. Hancock Ave., just 2 blocks north of Uintah. Find all our class offerings and more information at csseniorcenter.com or call us at 955-3400. We are even on Facebook! Come discover a community where everyone knows your name and they are always glad you came! Editor's Note: This article was submitted by Mary Swantek, Director of Senior Programs of the Colorado Springs Senior Center. She can be reached at 719-955-3400

Here at the Colorado Springs Senior Center, our want and goal is to combat social isolation for seniors within the community. When COVID hit, our creativity, capacity and caliber were challenged and created an opportunity for growth. We have tapped our resources and have stretched our boundaries to allow for the new channels needed to continue to connect and support our older adult community. Staying physically distanced is important and so is remaining socially engaged and mentally strong. We CAN do this together and we ARE going to be okay. While we all adjust to the new normal, it is imperative to remain flexible; we are all going to have to give each other a little more grace as each of us is coping the best we know how. We are here and we would love to engage with you! We are offering Zoom classes every week. New to Zoom? Would you like some assistance getting started? We can help you with that! Just give us a call and we can walk you through it. Once you are comfortable, give a Zoom class a try; we offer exercise, history, and health classes online every month. Are you in need of some resources or services? Just give us a call and we will do our best to get you connected to the right people. We encourage you to call and when we open our doors to come see all of the possibilities that are available to you. We are located at 1514 N. Hancock Ave., just 2 blocks north of Uintah. Find all our class offerings and more information at csseniorcenter.com or call us at 719-955-3400. We are even on Facebook! Come discover a community where everyone knows your name and they are always glad you came!Editors Note: This article was submitted by the Colorado Springs Senior Center. For more information please call 719-955-3400