dimanche 13 janvier 2019

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.

Older people have to accept the fact that they are more susceptible to various medical conditions as they grow older. In most cases these conditions can be kept under control with regular medical checks and medication. However, it is degenerative an incurable conditions that attacks the intellect that strikes fear in the hearts of most elderly people. Diseases such as dementia render their victims helpless but much can still be done.

It is very important for the elderly to remain physically active, to remain fit and to exercise regularly. One may wonder what this has to do with maintaining the cognitive abilities but exercise does help. Exercise increases the flow of oxygen rich blood to all parts of the body, especially the brain. Yoga and Pilates, for example, do not only have fitness benefits but also stimulates the mind and improve concentration.

One of the biggest causes of a deteriorating intellect is inertia. It is of great importance to keep busy. Crossword puzzles, scrabble, card games and other enjoyable activities all force one to think, to concentrate and to memorize certain sequences. This definitely helps to stimulate the mind, especially if there is a healthy sense of competition. As an added benefit, hobbies and games require older people to become more social and to interact with others.

One of the most important ways in which to keep the grey matter stimulated is to have a purpose in life and to set goals for oneself. Experts agree that those older people involved in charity work and community affairs are not just kept busy, but it also help to make them realize that they still have a contribution to make. Retired people have more time to spend on giving of themselves to others and in the process they benefit greatly themselves.

Nothing stimulates the mind more than studying and learning. One is never too old to learn and it is never too late to get a degree or diploma. It is never too late to learn new skills. Learning is intellectually demanding and this can definitely help to keep the intellect sharp and focused. Teaching also helps. Many retired people have valuable skills and by teaching other people they are actually helping themselves.

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.

Despite all the advanced that have been made in the field of medicine, precious little is still known about the way in which the brain works. There is no sure way in which to prevent dementia, Alzheimer or any other disease that dulls or destroys the intellect and the memory. This does not mean one should do nothing, however.




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