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Health/Finance Leave a legacy with planned giving May is Leave a Legacy month, an initiative that encourages Canadians to consider their philanthropic goals through planned giving. The first step, whether it's a long-term estate plan or a short-term donation, is to choose from the many charities that align with your values and interests. After determin- ing the charitable organizations that you wish to support, consider the various ways to leave a lasting legacy. The following charities rely on donations and are examples of how your planned giving can leave a legacy. The War Amps Since its founding in 1918, The War Amps programs have grown from assisting war amputees - still served by the charity - to all amputees, including children. A charitable estate donation provided through a will is a way to honour the legacy of war amputees and makes a difference in the lives of ampu- tees through programs like CHAMP for child amputees. Visit waramps.ca or contact 1 800 250-3030 for more information. The Salvation Army Donations support The Salvation Army in its efforts to help those in need overcome poverty, homelessness, addiction and mental illness across Canada and around the world by providing the necessities of life. For more information contact www.salvationarmy.ca. Ontario SPCA Each year, tens of thousands of animals in desperate need of shelter, care and com- passion are brought to humane societies. In addition to providing animal sheltering, reha- bilitation and adoption services, the society is responsible for enforcing the province's animal cruelty laws. There are many ways to create a planned giving arrangement. For information visit www.ontariospca.ca Nature Conservancy of Canada Striving to protect natural areas and bio- logical diversity across Canada, the Nature Conservancy of Canada works with com- munities and partners to preserve the natural environment and its species. For more about planned giving opportunities with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, contact 1-877-231- 3552 ext. 2276 or email planned.giving@natu- reconservancy.ca. Adults confront various age-related side effects as they transition from middle age to their golden years. Skin may begin to wrinkle and hair may turn gray, but those are just the visible side effects of aging. Many additional effects are unseen, but those changes can have a profound effect on adults' quality of life. Though many changes are linked to aging, other changes commonly associated with aging, such as a decline in memory, reasoning and other thinking skills, are not natural. The Alzheimer's Association notes that dementia is not a normal part of aging. There are many dif- ferent types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and these are the result of damage to brain cells that affect a person's ability to com- municate. That damage is not inevitable. The Harvard Medical School notes that fleeting memory problems experienced with aging often reflect normal changes in the structure and function of the brain. But it's important that those changes not be mis- taken for dementia, and it's equally important that adults recognize there are many ways they can protect and sharpen their minds. • Continue learning. HMS notes that a higher level of education is associated with improved mental functioning in old age. The reasons for that are unknown, but experts theorize that advanced education compels people to remain mentally active, which in turn helps them maintain a strong memory. Even aging men and women who are still working in challenging fields can benefit from pursuing a new hobby or learning a new skill. • Use the tools at your disposal. It may seem counterintuitive to suggest that organization- al tools like planners, maps and lists can help people maintain their memories. However, HMS notes that expending mental energy on finding car keys or trying to remember what to buy at the store makes it harder to learn new and important things. • Let all your senses play a role. HMS reports that the more senses a person uses to learn something, the more his or her brain is involved in retaining a memory. Memory loss is not an inevitable side effect of aging, especially for adults who take steps to maintain their memories as they age. (MCC) Simple ways to maintain memory 21 | O akville B eaver | T hursday,M ay 6,2021 insidehalton.com Care that's extra careful V for Vistamere We're very proud of our family of Vistamere staffers during these difficult times. They go above and beyond each and every day to help ensure the safety of our residents. So our residents just want to say, "Thank You." Vistamere Retirement Residence is located in a quiet, residential neighbourhood in west Oakville. You can still come for a virtual tour. Just go to vistamere.ca TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR TODAY vistamere.ca 380 Sherin Drive Oakville, Ontario L6L 4J3 905.847.1413 vistamere.ca Like us onFollow us on Jeanne estatedonation@waramps.ca waramps.ca • 1 800 465-2677 with a charitable estate donation in your will. Your support provides amputees, including children, with the essential artificial limbs they need to thrive. Leave a lasting gift