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UR FIFTY-FIVE PLUS NEWS S How your h Russia's invasion of Ukraine has moti- vated many Canadians to find ways to support Ukrainians in Canada and abroad. The Government of Canada lists sev- eral trusted organizations and initiatives at canada.ca that can fulfill the desire of Canadians to channel their giving to those affected by the conflict. If you want to add Ukraine to your list of charities to support this holiday season, here are some of the options. Canadian Red Cross The Ukraine Humanitarian Support in Canada Appeal funds the Canadian Red Cross response to humanitarian needs of people displaced due to the conflict in Ukraine. As families transition to life in Canada, the Red Cross offers support and helps bridge the gaps in social services. Support can be in the form of provid- ing for immediate and ongoing basic needs, referrals, financial help, psycho- social support, community organization grants, assisting with finding loved ones and other help as needed. Visit donate. redcross.ca. UN Refugee Agency UNHCR is working to provide humani- tarian assistance to Ukrainians who are being forced to flee their homes. The Reading impacts cognitive health Older adults recognize the threat posed by cognitive decline, which can make it hard for individuals to live independently. According to data from the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research published in 2020 in the journal Epidemiology, since the mid-1990s, rates of dementia cases in the United States have risen steadily. Since that time, the annual increase for men is 2.0 per cent and for women it is 1.7 per cent. Researchers concluded that, “undercovering determinants of increasing cognitive impairment risk should become a research priority.” As doctors grapple with figuring out why dementia rates are growing, individuals can do all they can to help reduce their risk for serious cognitive decline. Some reduction in cognition is to be expected with age, but dementias, such as Alzheimer’s disease, should not be accepted as an inevitable side effect of aging. In fact, reading more can help keep brains sharp. Studies looking at the effects of daily read- ing activity on the risk of cognitive decline point out that reading does, in fact, make a big difference. According to research by Yu-Hung Chang, I-Chien Wu and Chao A. Hsiung, from the Department of Public Health, China Medical University and Institute of Population Health Sciences, a 14-year study of people aged 64 and above determined those with higher read- ing frequencies were less likely to have cog- nitive decline at 6-, 10- and 14-year interval measurements. This remained the same at all educational levels. The authors concluded that reading was protective of cognitive function later in life. Dr. Wade Fish, Director at Northcentral University’s Graduate School, advises that read- ing can improve memory and concentration, and also relieves stress. Brain-stimulating activi- ties like reading have been shown to slow down cognitive decline in older age. While reduction in cognitive decline is one benefit of reading, Psychology Today also reports that bibliotherapy, or the therapeutic use of select reading materials, can alleviate many different mental health challenges. It can improve one’s social cognition and ability to empathize with others. Reading also can be associated with a longer life. A cohort study drawn from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) collected by the University of Michigan's Institute of Social Research and supported by the National Institute on Aging found book reading was associated with a 20 per cent reduction in mortality. (MCC) effort to keep them sheltered and safe includes working with governments in neighbouring countries and calling on them to keep their borders open to those seeking protection. Visit give.unhcr.ca. Humanitarian Coalition More than $11 million has been donat- ed by Canadians to the Humanitarian Coalitions since the beginning of the con- flict in Ukraine, making a difference for the thousands of vulnerable Ukrainians affected. Women and children make up 90 per cent of those who require support that includes transportation, shelter, food, hygiene items, medical supplies, trauma and mental health support, education and access to jobs. Visit humanitarianco- alition.ca/ukraine-crisis. Travel and Settlement Fund This fund assists displaced Ukrainians to reach homes across Canada by provid- ing airfare. Donations could assist as many oliday season giving can benefit Ukraine as 10,000 Ukrainians to escape unstable conditions and begin to rebuild their lives. The national effort was launched by the Shapiro Foundation, Canadian govern- ment, Air Canada and Miles4Migrants. Donations are deposited into the Travel & Settlement Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto and are used to spon- sor displaced Ukrainians. Visit the website jewishfoundation.crowdchange.ca/13730 Air Canada Foundation (Aeroplan) jonate Aeroplan points to Miles4Migrants or Ukrainian Relief Fund and the Shapiro Foundation will match the donor's generosity. Aeroplan points donated to the campaign are managed by the Air Canada Foundation with 100 per cent of the points being redistributed to various charitable organizations sup- porting relief efforts for Ukrainian refugees and aiding those in critical need. Find more information at canada.ca. aon an drayton entertainment | HAMILTON FAMILY THEATRE CAMBRIDGE | May 17 to June 10 | July 5 to July 23 | Aug 3 to Aug 20 | Oct 18 to Nov 5 | Nov 29 to Dec 24 ST. 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