Cognitive Exercises For Seniors Can Help Improve Their Quality Of Life
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.
Many older people dread the possibility that they can develop degenerating brain diseases such as Alzheimer or Parkinsons. They hate they idea that they will lose their own identity and that they will become totally dependent upon full time care. There is much that can be done to prevent the development of these dread conditions, however. The most important thing is to remain active and to keep the brain stimulated at all times.
Experts agree that all older people should exercise regularly. Low impact exercises such as swimming, hiking or cycling that increase overall flexibility and muscle strength are strongly advised. One may think that exercising has nothing to to with stimulating the brain, but exercise does release serotonin in the brain. This makes the individual feel positive and motivated. Exercise also provide energy, improves the blood flow and lower the risk of other conditions developing.
Therapists and social workers agree that one of the best ways in which to ward off the onset of brain degeneration diseases is to keep the brain active. Activities such as bridge and scrabble, for example, requires quick thinking and a good memory. Crossword puzzles are excellent for stimulating the brain. So are games like soduko and all of these activities are not only enjoyable, but also highly social.
Old people that see themselves as victims or as helpless are more likely to develop degenerative brain conditions than those that reach out to others. By helping others, one often help oneself tenfold. The satisfaction and energy that goes into enthusiastic charity work is wholesome and healing. Many people that do not have the money to help others still offer their time and their skills.
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 mean a state where one does nothing and simply watch life goes by. This is the time when one should pursue hobbies, embark on new adventures and develop new interests. Keeping the brain busy is a key to a healthy old age.
Many older people dread the possibility that they can develop degenerating brain diseases such as Alzheimer or Parkinsons. They hate they idea that they will lose their own identity and that they will become totally dependent upon full time care. There is much that can be done to prevent the development of these dread conditions, however. The most important thing is to remain active and to keep the brain stimulated at all times.
Experts agree that all older people should exercise regularly. Low impact exercises such as swimming, hiking or cycling that increase overall flexibility and muscle strength are strongly advised. One may think that exercising has nothing to to with stimulating the brain, but exercise does release serotonin in the brain. This makes the individual feel positive and motivated. Exercise also provide energy, improves the blood flow and lower the risk of other conditions developing.
Therapists and social workers agree that one of the best ways in which to ward off the onset of brain degeneration diseases is to keep the brain active. Activities such as bridge and scrabble, for example, requires quick thinking and a good memory. Crossword puzzles are excellent for stimulating the brain. So are games like soduko and all of these activities are not only enjoyable, but also highly social.
Old people that see themselves as victims or as helpless are more likely to develop degenerative brain conditions than those that reach out to others. By helping others, one often help oneself tenfold. The satisfaction and energy that goes into enthusiastic charity work is wholesome and healing. Many people that do not have the money to help others still offer their time and their skills.
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 mean a state where one does nothing and simply watch life goes by. This is the time when one should pursue hobbies, embark on new adventures and develop new interests. Keeping the brain busy is a key to a healthy old age.
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