The Many Benefits Of Brain Training For Seniors

By Pamela Hamilton


In most first world countries, the number of older, retired people is steadily increasing. People live longer nowadays, due to better medical care, healthier life styles and better nutrition, amongst others. As people grow older, their needs change. They need more frequent medical care and a great many elderly people need some form of care. This places a heavy burden on local authorities and even national governments but with brain training for seniors older people can still function independently.

It is only natural for the elderly to develop various conditions, often chronic ones but with modern medication, these conditions can be managed. The elderly accept the fact that it is not possible to maintain excellent health in old age. What is scary to most of them, however, is the possibility of developing one of the dread diseases that destroys the intellect and renders the memory useless.

One might think that exercise has little to do with the cognitive functions, but this is not true. Regular exercise should be a very high priority for all older people. Not only does exercise help to improve the fitness and flexibility of older people, but they also instill a sense of discipline and structure. Fit people are more active too. Activities such as yoga can also help to improve concentration.

There are numerous enjoyable games and activities that need a good memory, a sharp intellect and the ability to think quickly. Card games, scrabble, bridge, crossword puzzles and number games all help to stimulate the mind. These activities are mostly social in nature and they are very useful in promoting more interaction with other people. This, too, helps to keep the mind active and involved in the immediate surroundings.

Experts agree that older people are much more likely to retain a sharp intellect if they have a purpose in life and if they feel as if they make a contribution. Most older people can still make important contributions to their communities. They can get involved in charities, become involved in church activities, join discussion groups and reach out to the less privileged.

Intellectual challenges may be one of the best ways in which to prevent dread degenerative conditions. Many older people keep their intellects sharp by learning new skills, by taking up demanding hobbies and by enrolling for formal training. Retired school teachers, for example, can remain intellectually stimulated by offering help to struggling students. Retirement may just be the time to complete a degree or to finally write that book.

Most degenerative diseases are typified by specific symptoms at an early age. It is important to know what these symptoms are and to look out for them. At the first sign of trouble, a thorough medical checkup should be done. If there is a positive diagnosis, the disease will most probably be at an early stage. Modern medication has made it possible to control these diseases for years.

There is no one hundred percent sure way in which to prevent intellectual decay. Genetic factors play a role and mankind still knows very little about exactly how the brains work. This should not stop older people to do whatever they can to protect themselves, however.




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