Put on those dancing shoes

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Forget about looking for a memory pill, if you want brain power later in life and lessen the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, think about increasing your level of mental activity.
This could be anything from dancing to traveling to learning a new language, according to researchers at the University of NSW.

Dr Michael Valenzuela said his research team’s findings mean that people can help themselves rather than rely on drug companies that are trying to find a pharmaceutical target to prevent the shrinkage of the hippocampus – a significant risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s.

The research revealed that people who have been more mentally active over their lives have a larger hippocampus and critically that it shrinks at half the rate of those who have lower mental activity.

This is the first time that researchers have compared participants’ brains over a period of time in relation to mental activity patterns, adding weight to previous work which shows that complex mental activity helps prevent dementia.

“This also helps throw some light on why there has been this consistent link between mental activity and lower dementia risk,” Dr Valenzuela said.

“Our prior research shows the risk for dementia is quite malleable, even into late life,” he added
“It is vital that everyone is involved in cognitive, social and physical activities in late life such as dancing, tai chi, sailing, travelling and learning a new language, for example.”

To find out more about what you can do to help prevent Alzheimers go to: www.health.org.au
Source: Natural Health Society of Australia.

The RVA News Monitor is a weekly feature on the RVA website, and will provide updated stories on issues involving the retirement village industry.

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RVA looks toward further growth in 2009

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The end of the year is a good time to reflect on the past year’s achievements and look forward to implementing plans for the year ahead.

During 2008 the RVA has moved from strength to strength with many achievements across the country helping attract an expanding number of stakeholders.

RVA CEO, Jane Holdsworth said the Association had much to be proud of over the past 12 months.

“With a new vision, mission and strategic objectives we’ve set up a Queensland office and established a national fee structure making us a truly national association.

“The delivery of a weekly news monitor, has not only increased communications with our members but has been very well received,” she said.

The new RVA website was launched in August and quickly began receiving more than 10,000 unique business visits to the site per month with more than 1,000,000 hits. 

Within two weeks of the launch the website became the number one most searched retirement village website throughout Australia. 

“We also held a very successful National Conference in Perth and all this is just scraping the surface,” Ms Holdsworth said.

The RVA has continued to lobby for its members and the industry at large.

“We’ve also set into motion events that will carry us into next year and to our next level of development,” she said.

2009 is set to begin with industry forums to be held in each RVA centre throughout the country, attracting stakeholders from all areas of the industry old and new.

“In conjunction with our partners Macro Plan and Gadens Lawyers we’ll be launching our industry forums in Sydney on 4 February.

“These forums are already generating a buzz around the country attracting investors, developers, owners and operators and representatives from government.

“We’re finding that there is already a lot of interest in what I’m sure will become high demand events,” Ms Holdsworth said.

Another event which is highly anticipated is the 2009 Inaugural RVA National Business Excellence Awards, which have already attracted more than 20 expressions of interest.

“The Awards are exciting because they will not only showcase excellence within our industry they will also provide fantastic marketing opportunities for our members.

“They will also demonstrate the high standards of management practices, innovation, customer service and sustainability to governments, industry, stakeholders and to current and future residents,” she said.

Much of the RVA’s  achievements are due to the enormous  contribution of time, effort and financial support by a variety of stakeholders.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of our regional committee and board committee members,  our sponsors, corporate partners, retirement village, associate and industry members for their continued support and passion which is vital not only for the RVA’s continued success but also for the sustainability and on going growth of the industry.

 “On behalf of the RVA Board and staff, I would like to extend the warmest of season’s greetings and wish everyone a safe and prosperous new year. I’d also like to thank my hard working staff, who continually go the extra mile,” Ms Holdsworth said.

For further information or to make comment on this story, please email communications@rva.com.au

The RVA News Monitor is a weekly feature on the RVA website, and will provide updated stories on issues involving the retirement village industry.

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Summer Fire Safety for RVs

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Recent rain around the country has only marginally eased the risk of bushfires this summer.

Fire authorities in all states urge residents and businesses to ensure they are fully prepared for the onset of a bushfire, particularly in regional areas.

Retirement villages are particularly vulnerable as they have a high density of residents, and many of these residents may need assistance in an emergency situation.

Many retirement villages are located in bushfire-prone areas, and village managers have a crucial ‘duty of care’ responsibility to their residents.

Fire authorities emphasise that bushfire preparation is vital to minimising the impact of a bushfire.

Each village should already have a bushfire survival plan to minimise the risk to residents. This plan will include the actions that village management and residents need to take in the event of an approaching bushfire.

One critical decision that needs to be taken early is whether to stay and fight the fire, or evacuate the property.

A clean-up of the property is essential to make sure there is minimal debris to catch alight if a fire approaches.

Managers should also be in regular contact with their local fire authority, and attend regular community fire safety education programs. If possible, a village meeting should be conducted to discuss fire procedures with residents.

A list of emergency contacts should be kept in a visible position, and the website addresses of fire authorities need to be noted for updated fire warnings and current bushfire alerts.

Further information on bushfire preparation, including links to useful websites, can be found at:
Country Fire Authority www.cfa.vic.gov.au/links.htm
Emergency Management Australia www.ema.gov.au
Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre www.bushfirecrc.com

For further information or to make comment on this story, please email communications@rva.com.au

The RVA News Monitor is a weekly feature on the RVA website, and will provide updated stories on issues involving the retirement village industry.

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