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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.

It is only natural for the elderly to develop various conditions, often chronic ones but with modern medication, these conditions can be managed. The elderly accept the fact that it is not possible to maintain excellent health in old age. What is scary to most of them, however, is the possibility of developing one of the dread diseases that destroys the intellect and renders the memory useless.

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.

Cognitive activities are important to help ward of the onset of degenerative conditions. Activities and hobbies such as bridge and scrabble, for example, require a good memory and the ability to think logically. Crossword puzzles and number games such as soduko are excellent stimulants too. These activities are not just stimulating, but they also encourage older people to become part of social groups.

Apathy and a general feeling of worthlessness are great and very powerful enemies of the mind. Everyone can still make a contribution to their own communities. One must have a purpose and goals. Charity work and involvement in community activities are therefore very important, because it gives purpose to life. By focusing on giving, older people will find that they themselves are the ones benefitting most.

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.

Nobody, not even the most active person, can be sure that they will not fall victim to a degenerative disease. Genetic factors also play a role and mankind still knows very little about the brain. The fact remains, however, that intellectually active people are less likely to develop these diseases.




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