The Mind of a Mindful Communicator:
is focused, flexible, alert, able to sustain attention, spontaneous but not impulsive, able to swiftly process and recall information, thoughtful and calm. The average adult spends more time maintaining their car or their house than maintaining their brain. The fact is, is that without a highly functioning brain, we put the car, the house and the quality of our lives at risk. 

The Big Wave:

• Of the entire U.S. population, 27% will turn 60-65 over the next 20 years. 4.3 million people turned 50 in 2007. For the next 15 years one boomer will turn 60 every 7.5 seconds.
• Educated and affluent boomers are re-inventing their lives, re-wiring instead of retiring.
• Merrill Lynch’s New Retirement Survey claim that 81% of boomers plan to work well past the age of 65. The recent drop in the economy is making that a more necessary choice than ever before.
  

Have you noticed lately that more of the time you seem to:

• Be slow to understand complex information?
• Have memory problems?
• Be more easily distracted?

These declines can create stress, moodiness, a lack of confidence; they can affect people’s desire to be around you

Why Brain Training? The Scary Facts: Click Here

Here are Rebecca’s Brain Training recommendations:

Software  (do-it-at-home, office or school) category

Cogmed Working Memory Training (CWMT)

Read about the Cogmed Story

Did you know that poor working memory is considered to be the core deficit in ADD/ADHD?
Working Memory (the ability to keep some information in mind while doing something else) is basic to decision-making, concentration, problem solving, reading comprehension, mental math and reasoning ability. For Boomers and Seniors working memory is the first brain function to decline with aging. Learn more about this effective, research-based (several studies including double-blind studies published in leading medical journals, intensive 5 week, do-it-at-home software program for sharpening one’s working memory. I saw such great results that I became a qualified Cogmed coach!  
Click for More Information

NeuroActive Program (NAP)

If you’re a young adult or boomer, do you…

If you’re a young adult, boomer or senior, do you…

1. get distracted easier?
2. have trouble concentrating more lately?
3. often experience forgetfulness?
4. misplace things more often?
5. have trouble organizing and following through on projects?
6. find multi-tasking more of a challenge?

If you answered “yes” to at least a few of these questions, consider adding a bit of brain training to your regular schedule and get your brain back on track. NAP is an affordable and enjoyable brain training software. It sharpens 16 brain functions with challenging and practical exercises. Start your day with a 15 -20 minute brain workout notice the difference. NAP can also be adapted to an exercise bike for a combined mind/body workout.
Try a demo at www.neuroactiveprogram.com.
Order by phone 1-888-780-2724 using the promo code: BCA0108.    

My Vigorous Mind (MVM)

Live, group/private interactive brain training

Staying Sharp: Brain Training for Boomers and Seniors

Brain training is the structured use of cognitive exercises aimed at improving specific brain functions; much more effective than Suduko or crossword puzzles. Stave off Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and let your brain flourish! The group program ($40/per session) meets on Saturday afternoons from 3:00-4:30 p.m. for 8 weeks. It includes varied brain exercises, tips on diet and exercise, anxiety reducers, interactive discussions, guest speakers and regular homework. Re-wire don’t retire your brain. Get sharp, gain confidence and take on those challenges that other boomers and seniors just dream about.  Private sessions are also available. Register with Rebecca Shafir M.A.CCC at Harborside Counseling Services in Newburyport, MA (978-462-1780) or at the Hallowell Center in Sudbury, MA (978-287-0810 x117)  

Audio CDs/mp3 download training
The Listener’s Edge

How can you forget what you never heard in the first place? A Mindful listener uses more of his or her brain than the average listener. Mindful listening practice improves concentration and focus. This 2 CD set/mp3 teaches you how to recall more of what you heard, get along better with people (even difficult people).