Sunday, November 4, 2012

Brain Training: It’s Never Too Late To Start!



While age is something that we cannot control, we can certainly control its effects on our body and our health. Aging often brings some issues with bones, muscles and memory. Therefore, it is important to not only exercise your body, but to exercise your brain as well!

The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association set guidelines for the exercise of older adults. The basic recommendation is 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five days a week with some muscle-strengthening activity for healthy aging. As people age, they also tend to challenge their brain less frequently. As a result, they are not able to maintain the mental sharpness they once utilized. The statement: "If you don't use it, you lose it" holds some real truth in this case.

Part of Lifelong Learning’s mission is to keep your mind active, but we also know that physical activity is important too. So, why should you exercise your brain as often as you exercise your body? Below are some very good reasons to start those brain exercises today.

  • Just like brushing your teeth, or going for a walk in the morning, it is wise to spend just a few minutes a day investing in your mind. Brain fitness should be incorporated regularly. You may notice a great difference after only one week or so!
  • The mind is much more capable of self expansion than we think! Recent studies indicate that the mind is malleable and physically grows and shapes with proper stimulation. New neuron connections are literally created and old neuron pathways are reinforced.

The good news is that it's never too late to start exercising your brain. In fact, the mind can always grow and expand. Seniors today can utilize mental exercises regularly that can have long lasting positive results on their brain and lifestyle.

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