Local | Senior Lifestyle

Elder Rehab for memory impairment starting new session

Elder rehab program director Sharon Arkin (left) joins participant Shirley Katz on a stationary bike ride. The two are singing “Daisy Bell (Bicycle Built for Two).” (Courtesy Sharon Arkin)

Sharon Arkin, Ph.D., was honored as the Tucson Jewish Community Center Volunteer of the Year for her Elder Rehab program for those with mild to moderate memory impairment. The Fall 2016 semester of Elder Rehab begins the week of Sept. 19.

Participants, who should be over age 50, are paired with of a University of Arizona student intern who acts as their “personal trainer.” Two- hour sessions are held twice each week, with hours arranged by the participants caregiver and the UA student. Program sessions consist of one hour of supervised physical exercise and one hour of memory and language stimulation activities and games. The caregiver accompanying the participant may use the Tucson J’s exercise and other facilities during the Elder Rehab session. The fee is $125 for 20 sessions (two per week).

For more information, contact Amy Dowe at the J, 299-3000, ext. 251.