AARP Rewards Community Learning & Earning Contest August 2022

Hi! I keep my brain active by playing games on the computer/phone such as those found on the AARP site. I also like to do arts and crafts and sewing. I also have taught myself to use the Cricut and have kept busy by making our Christmas cards the last few years.

I also enjoy traveling and exploring new places. I love planning trips, attending online webinars and travel talks, and sometimes even getting to go on the planned adventures!

I also try to eat well and exercise on my recumbent bike knowing that will help to keep my mind clear.

The NYT mini crossword and the Boston Globe crossword are daily musts for fun. I was recently introduced to Wordle. My three pets, two cats and a dog, keep me thinking as I care for them. I also watch videos and movies.

I keep my brain active by reading my bible daily and attending my religious meetings on Zoom.

I work one day a week and volunteer one day a week - keeps both my mind and body active.

I walk my dog 1 mile every day.  It keeps my mind engaged in my surroundings and fuels my thoughts to get things done at home.

I’ve made it a daily habit to do the following things, even when I don’t want to!  I start the morning out with coffee and the newspaper to keep up with local events. Then I take our golden retriever for a 1.5 mile walk. Afterwards, I either walk or run myself depending on what I have scheduled for the day. After that, I do body weight exercises. Finally, my brain is ready for some learning!  I study Spanish via the Duolingo app for about 20 minutes. Then finally I will read either a fiction or non-fiction book for about an hour. Reward: short nap before lunch!

I work part-time teaching computer skills to adults and I also learn so much from the AARP videos and quizzes. I love sharing what I learn with my 93 year old mom! She's been doing the balance exercises since I watched that video. She's a member too but isn't online. I also really enjoy doing Right Again Trivia and the Jumbles in the Sunday newspaper. 

I play games like Wordle, Wordscapes, Soduko, Mini Crossword. I also have a school-age child, so I also do homework. I still proofread papers for my college age children. I also enjoy watching quiz shows like Jeopardy! 😊

Serving as President (pro bono) of the Seniors Job Bank keeps my brain constantly engaged. The Seniors Job Bank is a nonprofit community organization in the Hartford, CT area that connects people over 50 looking for work with businesses, households, and other employers that have work to be done. Our service is free, to jobseekers and employers. Visit www.seniorsjobbankct.org.

I take French classes on Duolingo to keep my brain sharp and learning another language is always good.  I plan to continue on and take Spanish as well.  I play the memory games that help keep the brain sharp.