Exercise your brain, no matter what age
April 14th 2010 15:54
Signature Tune
From: SouthtownStar
Even for the brightest among us, sometimes it is difficult to remember names. We've all found ourselves at the store, struggling to remember that last item we intended to purchase. And as we age, these small memory lapses can become more frequent, and more frustrating.
Some structural and chemical changes in the brain are a natural part of aging. Yet recent research offers promising information about the brain's plasticity.
Doing crossword puzzles is one way to help people maintain their memory and brain function.
"At the March 2010 meeting for the National Council on Aging, many of the topics focused on using mental fitness techniques to stay sharp while aging," said Amanda Senerchia, associate executive director at Smith Village, a senior living community in Chicago's Beverly community.
"So I was pleased Smith Village offers helpful resources in this area to our residents. Plus, I returned to our campus enthusiastic to share even more opportunities."
And while younger people might think they get a pass, it's just as important for them to maintain their brains, according to Smith Village fitness specialist Martina Wessels, who teaches brain fitness classes there. The sooner you start, the stronger you'll be, she said.
"The brain is like a muscle, the more you work it, the stronger it will be," Wessels said. "Any exercise that forces you to think helps keep you mentally sharp."
Wessels has some ideas and exercise that can build strong minds.
Create a challenge Smith Village offers brain fitness classes for residents who want a mental workout. The seniors warm up by brainstorming lists of items in a category. How many types of vegetables or breeds of dog can you remember? Then, they move on to more difficult topics such as history, trivia, state capitals or brainteasers. Having a class is a great way to stay mentally fit, but you could try these techniques at home to challenge yourself.
Flex your memory If you are going to the store for a few items, instead of writing a shopping list, note how many things you need and memorize the list.
Try something new Learning the rules to a new game, exploring a new hobby and meeting new people all challenge parts of our brains we may not use regularly.
Exercise "Regular cardiovascular exercise, like walking, dancing or bicycling, is not only good for your heart and muscles, but also can sometimes help slow and reverse memory loss," Wessels said.
Mind games Games such as crossword puzzles and Sudoku are good for the brain because they force you to remember facts, calculate and use logic. Word searches are helpful because they require focus over an extended period of time.
"As with physical fitness, everyone has different strengths," Wessels said. "You don't need to compare yourself to others, the important thing is to stay mentally active, challenge yourself, and take an active role in staying mentally sharp."
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