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Joining clubs is more than a fun pastime—it’s essential for seniors’ mental and emotional health. Residents in retirement communities benefit from social engagement, cognitive stimulation, and a sense of purpose. Clubs like book groups, walking clubs, hobby circles, and volunteer organizations provide opportunities for friendship, activity, and emotional support. For seniors, staying socially active can reduce loneliness, boost mood, and improve overall quality of life. Finding the right club can help seniors thrive while enjoying meaningful connections every day.

Cognitive reserve helps explain why some people show no dementia symptoms during life despite having Alzheimer’s-related brain changes. Their brains are able to compensate for damage through stronger mental resilience built over time. Research from Harvard Medical School highlights six behaviors that support cognitive reserve: a healthy diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress management, social connection, and ongoing mental challenges. Learning does not require formal education—everyday activities, problem-solving, and volunteering can strengthen the brain. Supporting this, a 2024 Lancet report estimates that up to 45% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing risk factors such as physical inactivity, depression, and social isolation. Together, these findings offer hope that cognitive health can be actively built through lifestyle choices, rather than being determined solely by genetics

Veterans who live at Stevenson Oaks recall various stories from the Vietnam War.

From knowing where to go to figuring out how lunch works, the first day of kindergarten comes with its fair share of worries. And no one knows this better than Martha Farr, a retired kindergarten teacher who just re-lived those back-to-school jitters herself when she moved into MRC’s Stevenson Oaks retirement community.

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