Populations in developed countries are steadily growing older. There are now more people over the age of 60 living in the United States than there are people under the age of thirty. Of course, an ever increasing aged population holds many challenges. Social services and the health sector, for example, are increasingly placed under pressure. But the elderly need not be dependent and hopeless. They can still live full lives. With cognitive exercises for seniors they can, in fact, still make significant contributions.
Most older people dread the possibility of contracted conditions that have a severe effect on their cognition abilities. Parkinson disease and Alzheimer, for example, eventually render sufferers totally hopeless and dependent upon others, unable to make decisions or often to even think rationally. These diseases have many causes, but there is much that can be done to prevent.
One of the main priorities of all elderly people is to exercise regularly. Everyone can exercise, regardless of age and ability. Disciplines such as yoga is also extremely useful in helping to increase body flexibility, overall fitness and stronger muscles and tendons. Exercise releases serotonin which helps the individual to feel good and to stay motivated. It promotes better blood circulation which makes the probability of brain dysfunctions less likely.
Therapists and social workers agree that one of the best ways in which to ward off the onset of brain degeneration diseases is to keep the brain active. Activities such as bridge and scrabble, for example, requires quick thinking and a good memory. Crossword puzzles are excellent for stimulating the brain. So are games like soduko and all of these activities are not only enjoyable, but also highly social.
Old people that see themselves as victims or as helpless are more likely to develop degenerative brain conditions than those that reach out to others. By helping others, one often help oneself tenfold. The satisfaction and energy that goes into enthusiastic charity work is wholesome and healing. Many people that do not have the money to help others still offer their time and their skills.
Many older people stimulate their brains by embarking on entirely new careers after retiring. Some of them enrol in formal study programs, others write and yet others embark upon intellectual pursuits such as consulting, offering tutoring to students and even running small businesses. All these activities stimulate the brain and have the added benefit of making the individual concerned feel useful and productive.
It is also vital to see a doctor regularly, at least twice a year, for a thorough check up. Far too many people are too shy or timid to insist upon certain tests, but it is important to make sure that tests to detect the onset of degenerative conditions are performed regularly. Conditions that are identified at an early stage are much easier to treat and much more likely to be slowed by such treatment.
Nobody can do anything to make one hundred percent sure that debilitating diseases will not develop as one grows old. Other factors, such as genetics, also play a large role. The fact remains, however, that much can be done in the line of prevention.
Most older people dread the possibility of contracted conditions that have a severe effect on their cognition abilities. Parkinson disease and Alzheimer, for example, eventually render sufferers totally hopeless and dependent upon others, unable to make decisions or often to even think rationally. These diseases have many causes, but there is much that can be done to prevent.
One of the main priorities of all elderly people is to exercise regularly. Everyone can exercise, regardless of age and ability. Disciplines such as yoga is also extremely useful in helping to increase body flexibility, overall fitness and stronger muscles and tendons. Exercise releases serotonin which helps the individual to feel good and to stay motivated. It promotes better blood circulation which makes the probability of brain dysfunctions less likely.
Therapists and social workers agree that one of the best ways in which to ward off the onset of brain degeneration diseases is to keep the brain active. Activities such as bridge and scrabble, for example, requires quick thinking and a good memory. Crossword puzzles are excellent for stimulating the brain. So are games like soduko and all of these activities are not only enjoyable, but also highly social.
Old people that see themselves as victims or as helpless are more likely to develop degenerative brain conditions than those that reach out to others. By helping others, one often help oneself tenfold. The satisfaction and energy that goes into enthusiastic charity work is wholesome and healing. Many people that do not have the money to help others still offer their time and their skills.
Many older people stimulate their brains by embarking on entirely new careers after retiring. Some of them enrol in formal study programs, others write and yet others embark upon intellectual pursuits such as consulting, offering tutoring to students and even running small businesses. All these activities stimulate the brain and have the added benefit of making the individual concerned feel useful and productive.
It is also vital to see a doctor regularly, at least twice a year, for a thorough check up. Far too many people are too shy or timid to insist upon certain tests, but it is important to make sure that tests to detect the onset of degenerative conditions are performed regularly. Conditions that are identified at an early stage are much easier to treat and much more likely to be slowed by such treatment.
Nobody can do anything to make one hundred percent sure that debilitating diseases will not develop as one grows old. Other factors, such as genetics, also play a large role. The fact remains, however, that much can be done in the line of prevention.
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