In most first world countries, the number of older, retired people is steadily increasing. People live longer nowadays, due to better medical care, healthier life styles and better nutrition, amongst others. As people grow older, their needs change. They need more frequent medical care and a great many elderly people need some form of care. This places a heavy burden on local authorities and even national governments but with brain training for seniors older people can still function independently.
Many older people suffer from a variety of medical conditions. Most of these can be managed, however. It is the debilitating diseases that affect the cognitive abilities that scare many people as they grow older. Diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson have no cure and can render a person total incapable of looking after himself. There is nevertheless much that can be done to prevent these diseases from taking hold.
It is very important for the elderly to remain physically active, to remain fit and to exercise regularly. One may wonder what this has to do with maintaining the cognitive abilities but exercise does help. Exercise increases the flow of oxygen rich blood to all parts of the body, especially the brain. Yoga and Pilates, for example, do not only have fitness benefits but also stimulates the mind and improve concentration.
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.
All diseases, even dread ones like Alzheimer, can be kept at bay if it is diagnosed early. Elderly people should therefore make sure that they have regular medical checks and that all appropriate tests are done, even if there are no symptoms. Older people should also take the trouble to learn more about the symptoms that they should look out for.
Despite all the advanced that have been made in the field of medicine, precious little is still known about the way in which the brain works. There is no sure way in which to prevent dementia, Alzheimer or any other disease that dulls or destroys the intellect and the memory. This does not mean one should do nothing, however.
Many older people suffer from a variety of medical conditions. Most of these can be managed, however. It is the debilitating diseases that affect the cognitive abilities that scare many people as they grow older. Diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson have no cure and can render a person total incapable of looking after himself. There is nevertheless much that can be done to prevent these diseases from taking hold.
It is very important for the elderly to remain physically active, to remain fit and to exercise regularly. One may wonder what this has to do with maintaining the cognitive abilities but exercise does help. Exercise increases the flow of oxygen rich blood to all parts of the body, especially the brain. Yoga and Pilates, for example, do not only have fitness benefits but also stimulates the mind and improve concentration.
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.
All diseases, even dread ones like Alzheimer, can be kept at bay if it is diagnosed early. Elderly people should therefore make sure that they have regular medical checks and that all appropriate tests are done, even if there are no symptoms. Older people should also take the trouble to learn more about the symptoms that they should look out for.
Despite all the advanced that have been made in the field of medicine, precious little is still known about the way in which the brain works. There is no sure way in which to prevent dementia, Alzheimer or any other disease that dulls or destroys the intellect and the memory. This does not mean one should do nothing, however.
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