THRIVING IN TIMES OF STRUGGLE
What does it mean to flourish when the systems we depend on are under strain?
Flourish in Times of Struggle is a new podcast series for people who want to move beyond personal resilience and grapple with the deeper structures that shape our lives. In this opening episode, Michael C. Patterson introduces the series’ focus on systems, legitimacy, and collective action—and invites listeners to think together about how healthier, more democratic forms of governance might emerge.
Earlier Flourish As You Age podcasts focused more on personal change and development to promote brain health and mental management.
THRIVING IN TIMES OF STRUGGLE
BRAIN HEALTH: One Hen, Two Ducks: The Power of Play
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My partner, Roger Anunsen, learned the power of play years ago when he was unexpectedly hired as an Activity Director at an assisted living community. He was assigned to run a Sit & Be Fit class and his elderly students seemed bored out of their minds. To liven things up, Roger got them reciting an elaborate tongue-twister (One hen, Two ducks, etc.) that his nana used to play with him. Sit & Be Fit was never the same.
This early foray into mental stimulation got Roger interested in the brain and how to design cognitively stimulating activities for older adults. This led to his invention of MemAerobics and eventually to teaching brain health class and joining me to found MINDRAMP Coaching & Consulting.
In addition to telling roger's story I talk about why play is an important developmental tool throughout life. Play is an effective way to keep mature minds health and sharp.
Be sure to listen at the end for a full rendition of One Hen, Two Ducks. You can test your own memory and articulation skills by echoing the increasingly elaborate and bizarre descriptions.
The text for this podcast first appeared as an article in 3rd Act Magazine.
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