A recent evaluation reports that the Brain Gym Mentoring Program (BGMP), Kupuna Kokua, has demonstrated improvement in balance activities required for safer sitting, standing and walking activities of the participating kupuna. The evaluation was conducted by Carol S. White of the nursing department at Maui Community College, an independent researcher who utilized evidence-based research methodology. The findings also noted that kupuna reported a reduction in stress and tension and an overall improvement in mental, physical and emotional well-being at the conclusion of each session.

BGMP partners senior citizens with mentors trained in educational kinesiology in weekly sessions over the course of ten weeks.

The most notable findings are:

• Significant increases in the ability to move from sitting to standing.
• Significant increases in the ability to walk using proper posture and needing to look down less.
• Improvements in the attention span/cognition of participants.
• Satisfaction in the mutual engagement and socialization in the BGMP experience expressed by participants and mentors.

BGMP is held at the Kahului Union Church and was implemented by Giving Back, a nonprofit organization on Maui. Kupuna Kokua was designed to improve physical well-being and cognitive function among kupuna.

For more information about the Brain Gym Program, visit the Website at www.givingbackmentoring.org.