Dr. Mary, as she’s affectionately called, will present important information on the topic of sleep.

A National Sleep Foundation poll of older adults found a close relationship between the health and quality of life of older adults, and their sleep quantity and quality. It found that the better the health of older adults, the more likely they are to sleep well. Conversely, the greater the number of diagnosed medical conditions, the more likely they are to experience sleep problems.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends tips for better sleep:

• exercise in the afternoon,
• avoid stimulants such as caffeine for at least three or four hours before bed,
• go to bed at the same time every night and wake at the same time each morning,
• avoid alcohol in the later evening, and
• try taking naps, but remember that sleep in the daytime affects sleep at night.

After the presentation, Dr. Mary will answer questions from the audience.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040 or visit http://www.oakparkarms.com.