How to Keep Your Brain Stimulated in Old Age?

elderly person working on puzzle

Our brain changes as we age, and its mode of operation is affected. Mental decline is one of the worst consequences of aging. Although it is common for cognitive processes to degrade, the aging of the brain does not need to be dramatic and can be slowed down.

The human brain did not evolve as a sedimentary rock, with increasingly sophisticated layers that have been added over time. According to neuroscientists, the brain evolves rather like a company: as it expands, it gets reorganized.

There are elderly people who manage to keep their mind almost as sharp as it was during their youth. After the age of 65, you can still see these people reading, having physical activity and even working. This is precisely what maintains their mental connections very much alive.

A study conducted at the Massachusetts Hospital on a group of healthy and active seniors has revealed that what all these people had in common was that they continued to make mental and physical effort, even after they got old.

Brain exercises: Use your imagination

We have access to this powerful brain tool every day – our imagination. If we use it proactively, it can have considerable benefits for our mental state. Exercises that involve imagination include drawing, creating handmade items, or simply using a set of words to tell a story, thus improving the ability of the brain to function. Many nursing homes in Tyler Texas offer opportunities for residents to be creative in their everyday living situation – art classes, puzzles, crafting, and other activities nourish the brain.

Brain exercises: playing chess, rummy or table

Strategy games involve intense intellectual activity and are by far the seniors’ favorite. Practicing them improves the IQ, math skills and perspective thinking. In addition, these brain exercises increase the ability to concentrate in critical situations, which can be really useful when you face difficult situations in life.

The most recommended is the Chess game, which has proven to be very effective in reducing degenerative-neuronal conditions, including the dreaded Alzheimer’s disease.

Brain exercises: Learn a new language

Seniors travel a lot these days and learning a new language is never too late, considering that the process is also beneficial for the brain. You can attempt to learn the new language by yourself or in an organized setting – the last option being great for social interactions.

Brain exercises: Keep exercising!

Exercising is probably the most important activity related to maintaining an active and healthy brain. Among the most important positive side effects, we mention stimulation of blood circulation and metabolism, resulting in lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

People often experience depression and anxiety, and exercising helps very much in this case too.  Even a minimum of daily physical effort (a walk, for example) stimulates the release of dopamine, which is the hormone responsible with pleasure. In addition, exercising is an opportunity for social relaxation and a factor responsible with enjoying a deep and relaxing sleep at night, followed by starting a new day in a very good mood.

We believe that if you make some of these exercises daily, you keep your brain more dynamic, which will translate into a more satisfying life. Learn new things, keep your mind open, young and agile and enjoy a more positive daily perspective!