Keep an Active and Healthy Brain

There’s a saying that goes something like, “we don’t stop playing when we get old, we get old when we stop playing.” That is especially true for our minds. Researchers have shown that keeping your mind active leads toward keeping a healthy brain which could possibly ward off Alzheimers Disease or even dementia.

Playing games like Scrabble or doing crossword puzzles are ideal for helping you relax and stimulate your brain. Playing games such as chess or checkers is also a great way to connect with a friend and enhance your social life. Being out with friends and connecting with individuals is crucial to aging well and being healthier. The alternative, isolation, can lead to depression, poor eating habits and overall lack of health so playing games, and maintaining healthy relationships is key.

What are some of the reasons we should be playing? Hint, if you’re healthy enough, you can include active playing as well as mentally stimulating playing. Here are a few thoughts about maintain and active and healthy brain.

1. Take a walk and take note of your surroundings. Better yet, take photos and then….
2. Create something – put together a scrap book, knit, crochet, do woodworking.
3. Challenge yourself to learn something new.
4. Play can help to relieve stress.
5. Game playing can also help you to connect with someone else and enjoy a game together.
6. Playing games and keeping your brain active is just plain fun!.

Improving brain function is one of the most important reasons that physicians urge their aging patients to remain active and involved. Play could also include reading a book or putting a puzzle together – anything that engages the brain and stimulates the senses is an activity to consider. If you live alone, look for a senior center or get involved at your church or other organization that provides social activities and sign up!