Brain Training For Seniors Can Help Ward Off Degenerative Conditions

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.

Many older people suffer from a variety of medical conditions. Most of these can be managed, however. It is the debilitating diseases that affect the cognitive abilities that scare many people as they grow older. Diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson have no cure and can render a person total incapable of looking after himself. There is nevertheless much that can be done to prevent these diseases from taking hold.

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.

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.

Another way in which to keep the intellect active and sharp is to become a student again. Retirement is the perfect time to finally take that degree course for which there never was time before. This is the time to learn new skills, to enroll for courses and in many cases, to teach. Many older people become involved in research activities and in some cases this even lead to publication.

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.




About the Author:



Aucun commentaire:

Enregistrer un commentaire