Glenn’s Trumpet Notes

Thinking of Music, courtesy of Pacific Retirement Services, Inc.

“Successful aging” is the terminology used in the brochure inviting me to attend the “Live Well” lecture series being sponsored by Mirabella Seattle, a stylish retirement community at South Lake Union. So I wonder, what constitutes “successful aging”—does that mean you never die?! [BTW, if you’re interested, there’s a lot about eternity in the Bible.] No, here “successful aging” is more about keeping your brain healthy throughout old age. OK, how?

I am invited to hear Dr. Larry Sherman talk about this on 10 February at 1 p.m. at Mirabella Seattle, 116 Fairview Ave N. It’s a complimentary event with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Dr. Sherman, who has played piano since the age of four, will give a multi-media lecture and musical performance. He will talk about how music can influence brain function and healthy brain aging. That includes a discussion of the origins of music and how the brain interprets music. His presentation is called “Your Brain on Music” and is said to be a “musical journey of neuroscience.”

Mirabella offers independent living, assisted living, special memory care (for demetia and Alheimers residents), and skilled nursing and rehabilitation (see http://www.mirabellaretirement.org/seattle/index.htm).

According to the Mirabella invitation, Dr. Sherman is a Professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and in the Neuroscience Graduate Program at the Oregon Health Science University. At the Oregon National Primate Research Center, he is a Senior Scientist in the Division of Neuroscience. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and Portland Monthly Magazine recently named him among the 12 Most Innovative People in Oregon. He serves on the board of the Portland Chamber Orchestra. With more than 80 publications regarding developmental neuroscience and neurodegeneration, he gives lectures worldwide about his own studies of how to repair the damaged nervous system, as well as other neuroscience topics.

Hmmm…is my brain already fried, or should I go? Why should I go if I can’t remember anything anyway? Well, surely I would enjoy the fine hospitality and music! Maybe I should bring my trumpet—do you think they’d mind? Can I trust them to release me after the lecture?   😉