Cognitive Exercises For Seniors Can Make A Huge Difference

By Jessica Morris


Populations in developed countries are steadily growing older. There are now more people over the age of 60 living in the United States than there are people under the age of thirty. Of course, an ever increasing aged population holds many challenges. Social services and the health sector, for example, are increasingly placed under pressure. But the elderly need not be dependent and hopeless. They can still live full lives. With cognitive exercises for seniors they can, in fact, still make significant contributions.

Older people are more prone to the development cognition problems, conditions that interfere with their ability to think, reason, remember and act rationally. Alzheimer and Parkinson disease, for example, have rendered many older people helpless and dependent. The advent of these conditions can be slowed down or prevented, however, by making sure that the brain is positively stimulated regularly, forced to think and to remember. There are many activities to achieve this goal.

Regular exercise should be very high on the list of priorities of any elderly person. Low impact exercises and disciplines such as yoga help to increase the ability to concentrate. It also helps to instil a sense of self discipline. Exercise also strengthen the muscles and increases overall body flexibility. Fitter older people are generally more active and motivated and therefore less likely to succumb to debilitating conditions.

Therapists and social workers agree that one of the best ways in which to ward off the onset of brain degeneration diseases is to keep the brain active. Activities such as bridge and scrabble, for example, requires quick thinking and a good memory. Crossword puzzles are excellent for stimulating the brain. So are games like soduko and all of these activities are not only enjoyable, but also highly social.

There are numerous benefits to be had in becoming involved with charities. Volunteering skills, time and effort serve to not only keep one busy, but to also interact with those less fortunate. Many retired people perform valuable services to charities by utilizing their experience and qualifications to do marketing, to keep books, to read to those that cannot read and many other worthwhile activities.

Some people even start out fresh after retirement. The enrol for courses and they develop new interests such as painting, teaching or bookkeeping. Many others keep working, albeit on an dependent basis. This all helps to keep the brain occupied and active. Joining book clubs, debating societies and other intellectually challenging activities can also add great value to life and help prevent the brain from degenerating.

The importance of regular medical check ups simply cannot be overemphasized. Everyone knows that the sooner any condition is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat and the more likely it will be that it can be managed. Older people should visit their doctors at least once a year for a thorough examination and they should insist that tests for the presence of cognition problems be performed every time.

Growing old does not automatically mean a state where one does nothing and simply watch life goes by. This is the time when one should pursue hobbies, embark on new adventures and develop new interests. Keeping the brain busy is a key to a healthy old age.




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