Brain Workouts: The Exercise Our Brains Need

The human population inevitably gets older, and as we grow older, our brains get weaker and more vulnerable.  They begin to wear down and stop working as well as they used to.  Loss of memory for simple things like names, phone numbers, and appointments begin to take a toll on our daily lives and we can’t help but wonder how much worse it could get.  However, the new craze of brain calisthenic programs has become a new addition to the lives of the aging population.  Can mental ability be salvaged before it’s too late?  It is possible, but maybe only for a short-time.  There is a plan that should be followed in order to maintain mental activity:  ACTIVE, mental training, and staying sharp.

ACTIVE

One of the longest and most substantial studies regarding the effect of aging on the brain found that adults that are 65 years of age or older will reap benefits by mental training, showing improvements in problem-solving and memory for up to five years later.  This study is known as Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly, or ACTIVE.  This large investigation was done at several senior centers, studying more than 2800 healthy adults older than 65.  These adults were then divided into four groups with different concentrations.  The first aimed at improving memory, the second received training on reasoning, the third was processing speed, and the final group received no training.  It was supported that those in the processing speed groups had the most benefits for up to two years later.  Less decline in the trained cognitive skill still had small benefits even up to five years later.

Mental Training

There has been other research studies conducted which have similar results.  A study at UCLA did an experiment with older adults who had memory problems and found that mental training does lead to improvements as long as the participants followed a healthy diet and exercise regiment.  A Stanford University study also found that mental decline is slowed down in older people who used memory training, such as mnemonics.  Mental training may also delay the onset or progression of Alzheimer’s.  Brain exercises can also increase satisfaction in life by reducing boredom, preventing depression, building self-confidence, and even form new friendships.  

How to Stay Sharp

Follow this plan to help increase your mental awareness and sharpness:

• Reading, attending classes, doing puzzles, playing intellectually stimulating games, pursuing hobbies and other mentally challenging activities will increase your self-education. However, try not to participate in things that are too difficult; this will lead to your frustration.
• Exercise daily. Evidence is supported that exercise has substantial benefits on the brain and mood. Regular exercise provides your brain with a an increased blood supply and adults who exercise tend to do better on mental tests.
• Get an adequate amount of sleep daily.  Insomnia is a serious disease and if it is affecting your brain functioning, get medical advice.
• Keep in touch with others.  Volunteer for community events, join a group that interests you, go to meetings, find a traveling partner, prepare a meal, or do other satisfying social activities.  Social interaction benefits your brain more than listening to music or watching TV.
• Get treatment if you have depression.  This is an important aspect to your healthy mental well-being.
• Stick with a healthy diet. Eat foods that have omega-3 in them.  Avidly watch your calorie intake and eat as though you are trying to make your heart healthier.  Cardiovascular system benefits go hand-in-hand with brain benefits.
• Regular check-ups are a necessity. Diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic activities can severely impact your mental health. 
• Drink alcohol moderately to none.
• Avoid tobacco and any other tobacco form, including second-hand