A Few Ideas About Cognitive Exercises For Seniors

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.

One of the main priorities of all elderly people is to exercise regularly. Everyone can exercise, regardless of age and ability. Disciplines such as yoga is also extremely useful in helping to increase body flexibility, overall fitness and stronger muscles and tendons. Exercise releases serotonin which helps the individual to feel good and to stay motivated. It promotes better blood circulation which makes the probability of brain dysfunctions less likely.

There are many activities, hobbies and games that engage the brain in a positive manner. Card games, such as bridge, for example, require a good memory and the ability to devise strategies. Scrabble requires good general knowledge and quick thinking, This list goes on and on. Even smaller societies have clubs for seniors where they can become actively involved in activities that will keep their brains stimulated.

So many people do not realize the incredible power of giving. By becoming involved in community events and charities, older people can keep busy productively and make a real difference in the lives of others. One may think that this does not involve brain activity, but the brain is nevertheless stimulated when one has a purpose in life. Being involved holds many benefits, including social ones that can lead to further personal stimulation and growth.

Many older people stimulate their brains by embarking on entirely new careers after retiring. Some of them enrol in formal study programs, others write and yet others embark upon intellectual pursuits such as consulting, offering tutoring to students and even running small businesses. All these activities stimulate the brain and have the added benefit of making the individual concerned feel useful and productive.

It is also vital to see a doctor regularly, at least twice a year, for a thorough check up. Far too many people are too shy or timid to insist upon certain tests, but it is important to make sure that tests to detect the onset of degenerative conditions are performed regularly. Conditions that are identified at an early stage are much easier to treat and much more likely to be slowed by such treatment.

Growing old does not automatically imply frailty, dependence upon others and feebleness. It is important, however, to keep the brain active and stimulated. There is indeed much that older people can do to achieve this.




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