The Many Benefits Of Brain Training For Seniors

By Pamela Hamilton


In many countries, the percentage of the population made up of elderly people is slowly but steadily increasing. Senior citizens often need higher levels of social and medical care. Most local authorities, churches and some charities have programs to stimulate the elderly and to encourage them to remain active within their communities. These programs focus on the needs of the elderly. With brain training for seniors, for example, efforts are made to help the elderly to remain intellectually active.

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.

A strict low impact exercise regime can play an important role in helping to prevent deterioration of the intellect. Fitter people are healthier and more active in general. Exercise improves the blood flow and this means that the brain will get more oxygen. Disciplines such as yoga are also beneficial because they increase the overall flexibility and improve the ability to concentrate.

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.

Nobody, not even the most active person, can be sure that they will not fall victim to a degenerative disease. Genetic factors also play a role and mankind still knows very little about the brain. The fact remains, however, that intellectually active people are less likely to develop these diseases.




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