Checkers is a means of being mentally fit and sharp, and it is a wonderful game for connecting multiple generations. That is why there was a festive opening of the first meeting of Fitter Brein in the library in the Wijk on Thursday.
Fitter Brein is a project of Healthy Aging Network Northern Netherlands (HANNN), in which checkers is used to stimulate mental fitness and social bonding. Fitter Brein already started this year in the municipality of De Wolden. In collaboration with governments and partners from the care and welfare sector, dam meetings are regularly organized at various locations.
The library was well stocked especially with youth, and some elderly people were also present. According to Zainal Palmans, project coordinator of Fitter Brein, the intention is to give it more publicity and to organize this every last Thursday of the month in De Wijk. “We will also do this in other villages in De Wolden.”
Push in the back
Alderman Egbert van Dijk was present to perform the official opening. “In De Wolden we want to give the health of our residents a boost. It is not for nothing that we have laid down our ambitions in the sports agreement in 2020. After all, health is not just not being sick. How do you contribute to people’s ability to cope with the physical, emotional and social challenges of life. And checkers is a means to contribute to that. Everyone can participate, from young to old and especially together. And the rules of the game are not complicated.”
The alderman handed over a number of checkers and played a game himself against Willeke Kalwij-Ten Wolde, front office employee at Biblionet Drenthe. The fact that he also happened to win was a nice side effect, but certainly not the most important thing. Van Dijk: “The game brings coziness and togetherness. It strengthens the sense of belonging and it works well to prevent loneliness. But above all, it strengthens mental health.”
The well – known Professor of Neuropsychology Erik Scherder is also of the same opinion . The ‘brain professor’ is an enthusiastic ambassador for the Fitter Brain project, as evidenced by his plea on the website, where further information can also be obtained: www.fitterbrain.nl