Encore wine tasting brings better brain health to The Birches
On May 14, Birches Assisted Living residents raised their wine glasses and toasted to good brain health at the Wine Tasting and Open House hosted by The Birches' memory care neighborhood, Encore.
Encore's Wine Tasting Open House is part of a "Brain Boosting Food and Drink Series" created by The Birches' Director of Encore and Memory Care Services, Jackie Raschke. Raschke started the series in 2014 to draw attention to the many foods and drinks that can help maintain brain health and prevent memory loss.
"There are so many ways that we can boost our brain health through the food and drinks we choose on a daily basis. It's important for people to know what they can do to keep their brains healthy and memories strong," said Raschke.
Raschke decided to include a wine tasting in the series because of the documented health benefits of moderate wine consumption. Regular consumption of wine is known to prevent blood clots and reduce blood vessel inflammation, which are contributing factors in cognitive decline.
Red wine, in particular, is known for its health benefits due to its high resveratrol content. Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant that benefits the heart and brain. It has even been shown to prevent plaque buildups in the brain, which are a major factor in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
Another important purpose of the event was to encourage socialization and engagement among The Birches community. The wine tasting was structured as an open house to welcome residents, family and associates to visit The Birches memory care neighborhood, Encore.
"The open house provided residents with an opportunity to get to know their neighbors in Encore a little better. Socialization is also good for brain health, so a social event was the perfect way to celebrate the brain boosting benefits of wine," said Raschke.
Encore's "Brain Boosting Food and Drink Series" will continue throughout the year with programs celebrating the health benefits of foods like smoothies and dark chocolate. Raschke will also deliver a presentation on June 9 titled "Memory Matters," which will more thoroughly explain the lifestyle habits that can improve brain health.
"Maintaining brain health is so important to quality of life as we age," said Raschke. "I'm just happy to draw attention to these simple changes that can make such a positive difference in people's lives."
The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills is a premier retirement community dedicated to providing professional services that support its residents' physical, social, intellectual and spiritual growth. The Birches offers a full calendar of purposeful programs and activities designed to promote a healthy aging lifestyle and a strong sense of community. For more information about The Birches, call 630-789-1135 or visit: birches.net.