Back yard bird watching and dementia link

Alzheimer's Australia Vic

Back yard bird watching and dementia link

Melbourne Friday16th September

On the eve of Dementia Awareness Week 2011 Alzheimer's Australia Vic has announced the release of a special edition of a new eBook Bird Watching in My Back Yard that promotes bird watching as an activity for people with dementia, their carers and families as a way to keep loved ones' minds active and socially engaged.

Commenting in the foreword of the special edition of Bird Watching in My Back Yard, David Galbally, President of Alzheimer's Australia Vic said Bird Watching in My Back Yard is quite an extraordinary achievement.

"Its concept brings together a simple, low impact activity with a great excuse for kids of all ages to get active outside, to explore, have fun and learn about the birdlife thriving in our own back yards."

Alzheimer's Australia's national dementia risk reduction program, Mind your Mind, encourages people of all ages to remain physically, mentally and socially active throughout our lives as this may reduce the risk of developing dementia later in life.

Remaining active is also beneficial for people who have a diagnosis of dementia.

The special edition Bird Watching In My Back Yard is the brainchild of Ron Smith, a Melbourne based publicist who co-authored the eBook with Bob Winters, one of Australia's leading sustainability educators.

"The online publication had been written as a conversation piece and designed as a project book for all Australian families,"

Mr Smith said. "My personal experience with my father for over fifteen years provided the catalyst to look for a low cost, meaningful and peaceful activity which the whole family can join in and led to the creation of this special edition and fundraising program in support of Alzheimer’s Australia Vic’s Younger Onset Dementia program"

The eBook is simply designed to be used on notebooks and Ipads so people can take it outside while enjoying their garden. The pages are also easily printed to be cut up to be used as project material or to create posters and bird watching diaries.

"It is estimated there are 16,000 people under the age of 65 living with dementia in Australia and the purchase of this eBook will assist in providing vital support to those impacted," said Alzheimer's Australia Vic Chief Executive Officer, Maree McCabe.

“I extend our gratitude to Ron Smith and Bob Winters for offering to donate $7.00 from the sale of each eBook to our vital work with people living with Younger Onset Dementia.”

Focusing on the 24 most common birds in Australia's back yards the publication is packed with creative ideas and projects to keep families involved in ongoing activities.

The colourful photos by renowned birdlife photographer, Bob Winters in the book provide a highlight for birdwatchers of all ages when combined with details of who they are, what they do and where they hang out in back yards.

Bird Watching In My Back Yard $19.95 available from Alzheimer’s Australia Vic
www.alzheimers.org.au/vic

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In Victoria 69,000 people are living with dementia, 56 people develop dementia every day.

Alzheimer’s Australia Vic is the charity representing people with dementia in Victoria. As the peak body, we provide specialised dementia information, education and support services.

Call our National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit www.alzheimers.org.au/vic

Media contact: Christine Bolt on 9816 5772 / 0400 004 553, cbolt@alzvic.asn.au.