9 FUN BRAIN WORKOUTS (AND WHY THEY’RE IMPORTANT)
When aging, it's not just our physical abilities that take a toll, but also our mental skills. This is because the brain loses some of its ability as it advances in age. That means there'll be a loss of focus, as well as memory. And if your mind remains dormant, the harder it will be hit with memory loss, among other abilities.
Fortunately, there are impressive ways to keep your mind focused and improve its memory capabilities.
9 WAYS TO EXERCISE YOUR BRAIN TODAY
1. PUZZLES
Whether you prefer sudokus, jigsaws, or crosswords, puzzles of all types are both helpful in keeping the brain active. They provide enjoyable challenges, providing your brain with workouts it deserves. While you may not solve all the puzzles, a thorough attempt is enough to exercise your brain. Also, reaching out to others socially to try and solve a puzzling challenge contributes to brain health.
Puzzles are readily available in the newspapers, apps on your phone, or online for free. Therefore, you should choose a comfortable source you prefer to access these puzzles and enjoy filling them. Whether you are good with numbers or words, ensure it can match up to your intelligence. And as mentioned earlier, invite your friends or family to add fun to it.
2. LEARN A LANGUAGE
You are never to old to learn a new language. And in this particular case, you not only benefit from the knowledge gained but also brain health. You can get started by joining online classes or attending community centers nearby. At home, you can attempt this by reading books, listening to audiobooks in foreign languages, and apps on your phone.
Learning a language can be even more interesting if you do this with your friends. It not only adds fun to it, but it also provides opportunities for socializing. While some aspects of learning a new language can put you off from trying this venture, don't focus too much on learning everything. Mastering a few foreign words, phrases, or language rules a day is enough for a dose of a mental health boost.
3. MEDITATE
Meditation is one of the best ways to complete your daily activities. It engages your mind and provokes instant relaxation. Therefore, the more meditation we practice, the more gracefully we age. Besides relaxation, it causes mindfulness of body and soul, which is also great for seniors' mental health.
4. LEARN AN INSTRUMENT
Have you ever received a compliment for having potential in music? Well, it's about time you put those skills into practice by learning an instrument. If you already play an instrument, try learning a new one! You can join a musical class, choir, or any group involved in musical instruments and take part. Choose an instrument that fascinates you and develop skills in playing it.
Learning the basics is enough for a mental health boost. But if possible, choose a complex instrument with time for a better challenge. The more complex the challenge is, the more it engages and impacts your mind. And if you are part of a group, there's also the benefit of socialization.
5. BRAIN TRAINING APPS
Digital solutions can sometimes trigger anxiety in older adults. However, this should not be the case with brain training apps. These applications are accessible via tablets and mobile phones with ease. As a result, you can use them wherever you like. Like other solutions in this list, these apps are important for your mind. They'll help you improve your mental concentration, problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and visual skills.
With that said, there are multiple brain training apps to choose from. Starting with simple options like word connecting games to intricate apps with diverse challenges, you'll never get tired of them. Most of them are available for free in Google Play or the Apple store.
6. TRY CREATIVE WRITING
We all know that maintaining excellent physical health is an important part of aging. Similarly, mental health is also an important part. With an option like creative writing, you can improve mental focus. Further, this sort of writing is important in exploring different human experiences. It enables one to discover new ideas and stories and share them with audiences.
7. DEBATE
How good are you at arguing over a point? In debates, participants are often expected to support their arguments with concrete facts. And this is where a mental workout comes in. It enables you to recall important facts you read earlier as you support your argument. Also, it boost self-confidence and public speaking skills as you express your ideas to the audience.
8. READ A BOOK Reading is mentally stimulating and a worthy brain workout for seniors. Just visit any of the public
libraries in your area and borrow an interesting book. By reading these books, you will be enhancing your brainpower. And with an improved mind, cognitive decline as a result of age slows. Since there are no specific books recommended for this mental exercise, choose any that interest you.
9. PLAY BINGO
Lastly, don't forget to try bingo. It's a popular game among older adults with a stimulatory effect on the mind. While it's fun, it also comes with challenges that are best for exercising your mind.
In addition, bingo is healthy for older adults since they'll be playing in a community hall with lots of interactions. Finally, bingo touches three senses of the body, sight, touch, and hearing.
Loss of memory doesn't have to be part of your aging process. With fun brain workouts such as these above, you can help to maintain your youthful mind. Fortunately, you'll be able to access most of these brain challenges for free.
To incorporate fun into it, invite family or friends from time to time to complete the puzzles with you. This will add social aspects to it, which is also vital in your senior years. Lastly, the earlier you begin these fun brain workouts, the better the rewards from it.
