Senior Active Ministry of Grace Point Church

Senior Active Ministry of Grace Point Church invites elders to join the Memory Cafe every second and fourth Friday of each month to keep their memory active in the said fun and supportive program.

The church announcement posted that the gathering is designed for seniors. They are encouraged to reminisce, socialize, and learn something new. They added that it's open to all older adults with or without current memory issues.

Memory Cafe

According to George Glenner’s website, Memory Cafe is a safe, supportive atmosphere. This activity is designed to boost participants' memories by engaging in cognitive activities. Glenner Center’s Memory Cafe aims to make elders mentally active.

These activities could protect the brain’s health, the research revealed.

Besides, they mentioned that they scheduled guest speakers for the attendees. Community resource information is also provided. The center welcomes family, friends, and caregivers to join the said activities.

Why Attend Memory Cafe

The Healthline website features Memory Cafes as a way of helping individuals with Dementia as well as their caregivers.

They noted that “memory cafes” are increasing in the United States. Meetings are held in actual cafes and community buildings, and even museums. They have activities such as games, music, and storytelling.

Some experts mentioned that cafes could help lessen loneliness. It could also prevent the social separation between individuals with dementia and caregivers. They added that taking care of a loved one with this illness can be the saddest job. They might spend their time at home, watching television or just looking at the walls.

Moreover, the website stated that some people with this condition do not go out often because they do not want to make friends or feel intimidated when their loved ones repeat the same story or tell some wrong things at the wrong time.

Fighting Social Isolation

Amy Goyer, the national family and caregiver expert at the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), emphasized that the purpose of cafes is fun. It is a way of relaxing and socializing with other individuals in a safe environment. She added that it could be highly isolating when working as a caregiver for someone with dementia.

Goyer added that the benefits of the said social gathering are for both the caregiver and the loved one with the said disease. She stated that as many people have dementia, their need also increases. She also suggested that people be more aware of making the communities more dementia-friendly.

“We tell them everything we do is to assist them in protecting their brain as much as possible,” said Marti Wesala, Memory Cafe Coordinator for the George C Glenner Alzheimer’s Fasmily Centers, Inc.

The website noted that the nonprofit organization holds a half-dozen memory cafes in San Diego. According to Wesala, most individuals coming to the Cafes are still independent and prevent dementia. She added that they usually play brain games like a crossword puzzle or trivia game. Also, they help them reminisce their memories. They talk about their childhood, Wesala told Healthline.