WE go to the gym to keep our bodies fit so why don't we do the same with our minds?
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That is what motivates former psychologist Peter Beale.
The 91-year-old Valentine resident developed a program for senior citizens called Keeping the Marbles Rolling.
Through puzzles, word sudoku and brain teasers, the program aims to exercise verbal, numerical, spatial, logic, creativity and short and long-term brain functions.
Mr Beale said the program helped maintain a fit mind.
"It's designed to keep some of the functions of your mind in trim the same way you undertake physical exercise to keep your body in trim," he said.
Now in its fourth year, the eight-week course is delivered twice a year through two lake-based University of the Third Age (U3A) groups.
Mr Beale said there had been an overwhelming positive response.
"Observations have shown [participants] to be dedicated, responsive, and having fun," he said.
"The exercises are intended to be fun and there is plenty of social interaction."
To join the Keeping the Marbles Rolling program, you must be a member of Eastlakes or Lake Macquarie U3A.
Any member of either group can enrol in the program at any time. Registration is open year-round.
■ Eastlakes U3A - $45 for registration; phone Mel Llewelyn on 4946 6389 or email melllewelyn@bigpond.com. Programs start Monday, February 2.
■ Lake Macquarie U3A — $50 for registration; phone Mandy Lea on 0490 367 591 or email secretary@u3alm.org.au. Programs start Monday, February 9.