An Active Brain is a Healthy Brain

The following is by Hospice of the North Coast

We’ve made it through May Gray and June Gloom. Time for July Spry!
You can maintain “brain fitness” at any age. Keeping cognitive functions such as attention, memory, decision‐making and emotional regulation high is as crucial as maintaining physical fitness, especially as we get older.

Current research reveals that, contrary to earlier supposition, brain structure is not set once people become adults. Mental decline is not inevitable. In fact, the brain can regenerate cells throughout life.

Of course, you have to be an active participant. Brain fitness has become a fad (and lucrative venture) among digital companies. Software programs offer game‐based programs designed to engage different areas of the brain and stimulate new connections.

You don’t need an electronic device to maintain a healthy brain. Neuroscientist Adam Gazzaley advises maturing adults: “Step out of your comfort zone. Travel to a new country ... learn a new language or musical instrument.”

One simple way to advance physical and mental fitness simultaneously: walk every day, but vary the routine. Walk on a different side of the street or in a different direction; go around the block one way one day and the other way the next.

Can you teach an old brain new tricks? Yes!