By Denise Stern
Exercise for brain health doesn't
have to cost anything. Seniors can find ways to exercise their brains every day
by utilizing resources in their homes and communities. Brain exercises are
important to maintain brain function and keep synapses firing and the mind
sharp and alert. Seniors can have fun and exercise their brain power at the
same time by playing a variety of mind games that stimulate learning processes,
enhance memory and help prevent boredom and stagnation.
Imagine
When you use
your imagination, you exercise your brain. Curiosity is one of the most
stimulating exercises for the brain, according to the Franklin Institute. You
can stimulate the imagination just by thinking while you're out for your daily
walk. Imagine how you would landscape your neighbor's yard, or try to guess the
names of flowers, shrubs or plants you see every day on your walk around the
block.
Neurobics
Exercise
your mind for free with neurobics. Neurobics are exercises that develop and
enhance the five senses. For example, try buttoning your shirt or tying your
shoes with your eyes closed. Try eating with your non-dominant hand, or using
the computer mouse with your left hand instead of your right. Try eating a meal
with a partner or friend without talking, only utilizing visual cues and
gestures to express yourself or your wishes, suggests Lawrence Katz, professor
of Neurobiology at Duke University Medical Center.
Discovery Challenge
Discover new
skills or knowledge though reading books loaned from your local library. Engage
the mind by learning a new language or hobby or craft, suggests Patricia Grady,
PhD., Director of the National Institute of Nursing Research, a component of
the National Institutes of Health. Learning new skills or exercises can help to
increase the brain's processing speed and engage cognitive thinking processes
and skills.
Free Online Brain Games
Brain games
that offer amusement as well as enhanced reasoning speed and capabilities may
be found for free on the Internet. Memory games, math games and word games help
to increase reasoning skills and potential. Such games can be found by typing
in "Free brain games" into your favorite search bar. Many popular
brain fitness websites offer a limited number of free games to the public that
are easy to access on a daily basis.
Exercise
Physical
exercise offers mental benefits as well. Increased blood flow and stimulation
of the brain during exercise helps enhance brain health in seniors, according
to the "Senior Journal." Strong blood vessels carry oxygen and
nutrient-rich blood to the brain, necessary for optimal brain health and
development, regardless of age.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com
No comments:
Post a Comment