As our population gets older people are searching for new ways to keep their minds sharp. No one looks forward to a time when their mental faculties weaken. The latest trend is for older people to play video & computer games, as well as other games requiring mental agility. Millions of baby boomers & beyond are spending many hours each week with games designed to maintain manual dexterity & cognitive powers usually associated with people of a much younger age.
The video game manufacturers are rising to the occasion. They are learning how to market to an audience twice or two times the usual age for these products. In the past the older audience expressed a profound dislike for video & computer games. But now that they are seeing the potential benefits to their memory, attention span & problem solving ability the games seem more attractive.
Some are even saying that by playing these games on a regular basis the risk of Alzheimer’s disease may be reduced. This could also be true for all those adults with attention deficit disorder or dementia.
If you’re thinking about taking up video games as a way to stave off old age, remember that nutrition & exercise also play a large role in maintaining strong memory & other mental functions. A combination of stimulation from a variety of sources is probably the best bet if you want to keep your mind fine tuned.
Cognitive abilities can also be improved by changing your routine, like brushing your hair with the opposite hand or using your non-dominant hand to do laundry or dishes. Physical exercise for at least twenty minutes each day will also keep the blood flowing to the brain & other organs. Playing cards or board games or playing a musical instrument may also strengthen the link between the synapses & neurons in the brain.
The best idea 💡 is to keep your mind stimulated & continue to find new things to be learning. Conversation with a variety of people will also help to maintain mental acuity. A variety of methods, including video & computer games, may be the key to years of enjoying a healthy body & sharp mind.
Connie Ragen Green is a motivational writer, speaker, & mentor. To find out more visit her at http://greenhouse.typepad.com/law_of_attraction