Seniors can discover the latest research findings on brain health on May 22 and hear about adventure travel on May 24 from an Oak Park couple who spent a month in Turkey. Then on May 25 end the week by playing computer games encouraging dancing, singing, playing with animals, and journeying down roaring rapids (without getting wet). All three events begin at 2 pm at Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake Street, and are free and open to all ages. Refreshments will be served. “Celebrating Seniors Week” will be celebrated in Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park May 18 through May 25.

Tuesday, May 22, 2 pm Main Library “Brain Health” presented by Dr. Shah
People who stay active are less likely to have problems with their memory and thinking as they get older. Learn tips on how to keep your memory sharp from Dr. Raj C. Shah of the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center. Hear what some new research studies have found out about aspirin, Omega A-3, and Vitamin D. Can they prolong a healthy life?

Dr. Shah is the medical director of the Rush Memory Clinic where he evaluates and treats individuals with memory loss. He also is a principal investigator for clinical trials in Alzheimer's disease and he provides physician support to the ongoing longitudinal research projects on memory and aging.

Dr. Shah grew up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. He completed his bachelor of science at Northwestern University and then attended the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. After completing a family practice residency at West Suburban Hospital and Medical Center in Oak Park, IL, he received further training in geriatrics at Rush University. He is board certified in family medicine with a certificate of added qualification in geriatrics.

Thursday, May 24, 2 pm Main Library “Explore Turkey” with Zygmunt and Irma Sokolnicki
These free-wheeling Oak Park seniors chose to make their own adventure travel plans. They have recently returned from Turkey where they traveled for a month, touring by bus with two suitcases, exploring ruins, sampling Turkish foods, meeting Turkish citizens, and ballooning over the Cappadocia region. You may be inspired to try something new yourself after you meet this energetic couple who will share stories from their adventures in Turkey.

Trying something new is the norm for Zig and Irma. In 2007, they moved to Oak Park after living all of their previous years in Chicago. Zig was a teacher and administrator with the Chicago Public Schools, retiring in 1994. He then went to John Marshall Law School and received his J.D. in 1995. Irma’s career was in real estate. Zig and Irma then joined the Peace Corps. They served two years in Jamaica where Zig began painting water colors on free weekends. After their return, Zig began practicing Elder Law mostly on a pro bono basis and continued painting. Irma began volunteering as a court-appointed special advocate for children, something she continues today.

Friday, May 25 at 2 pm “Seniors Just Want to Have Fun: Game Playing with Computers”
Try a friendly computer dance competition or experience the thrill of full-body gaming as you jump, dodge, and kick your way through 20 different heart-pounding adventures. Rally your friends to sing four-part harmonies or try a dance exercise routine. Try a game at one of our XBox and or Wii stations. Board games will also be available as well as refreshments to keep your energy level up.

Find more events happening at Oak Park Public Library at http://oppl.org/events/calendar [1].