People want to stay younger longer. They buy beauty creams, take aerobic classes and 'walk on water', swallow supplements, and spend a fortune on hair color and make up. However, there is another important aspect of quality of life that should not be neglected: cognitive function. Staying mentally alert is important to staying productive and independent. Brain exercise games for adults can help keep the mind in good shape.
There are specific programs online that are meant to stimulate and train the mind. Results show that playing this sort of game designed by neuro-scientists can increase task performance, help slow down memory loss, and generally keep the mind sharp during the golden years. These timed challenges call for quick responses to ever-changing scenarios. This builds on earlier research showing that simple decisions made on a daily basis are important in maintaining alertness. In studies, nursing home patients allowed to choose their own clothes and help with routine tasks stayed mentally aware longer than those relegated to inactivity.
The effects of regular engagement in mental gymnastics extend into every area of daily life. People who were followed through a course of game training showed more creativity. They were able to focus much better on tasks, thereby getting through them faster and more completely. Motivation was increased, as well, which combined with the greater ability to concentrate to allow users to accomplish much more and get more satisfaction from the process.
Any good thing can be over-done. Too much healthy food turns toxic, too much water can cause malnutrition, too much exercise can be harmful. In the same way, over-use of computer games will be counter-productive. Everything should be in moderation. The creators of the gaming programs suggest twenty-minute sessions several times a week. Some sites warn that they can be addictive.
Other things enter into mental health. Interaction with people is important, so turn off the computer after the prescribed time and meet with friends and family. Play a game that involves two or more to get the benefits of mental challenge and socialization at the same time. If the game includes physical activity, which promotes a healthy blood flow to the brain, so much the better.
Backgammon, Mah Jongg, Scrabble, and chess are known to be good for the mind, and these also create settings for socialization. Bridge is another group activity. Research reveals that variety is important in mental stimulation, and interacting with other people has a positive effect on the part of the brain that controls decision making and planning. The production of cortisol, a harmful stress hormone, goes down when people get together for pleasant social activities.
A positive outlook is good for both mental and physical health. Depression often causes people to 'zone out' mentally and also makes it hard to get up and get going. Counselors advocate re-visiting happy times in life in trips down memory lane as a way to counter dark moods.
However, solitary computer exercise does have its place in maintaining mental capabilities. In fact, some programs actually chart the progress users make in skill advancement. They are not a replacement for socializing and cardiovascular activity, but the games offer additional and valuable mental stimulation. Check out the sites that offer scientifically developed fun for adults who want to keep all their marbles in good playing condition.
There are specific programs online that are meant to stimulate and train the mind. Results show that playing this sort of game designed by neuro-scientists can increase task performance, help slow down memory loss, and generally keep the mind sharp during the golden years. These timed challenges call for quick responses to ever-changing scenarios. This builds on earlier research showing that simple decisions made on a daily basis are important in maintaining alertness. In studies, nursing home patients allowed to choose their own clothes and help with routine tasks stayed mentally aware longer than those relegated to inactivity.
The effects of regular engagement in mental gymnastics extend into every area of daily life. People who were followed through a course of game training showed more creativity. They were able to focus much better on tasks, thereby getting through them faster and more completely. Motivation was increased, as well, which combined with the greater ability to concentrate to allow users to accomplish much more and get more satisfaction from the process.
Any good thing can be over-done. Too much healthy food turns toxic, too much water can cause malnutrition, too much exercise can be harmful. In the same way, over-use of computer games will be counter-productive. Everything should be in moderation. The creators of the gaming programs suggest twenty-minute sessions several times a week. Some sites warn that they can be addictive.
Other things enter into mental health. Interaction with people is important, so turn off the computer after the prescribed time and meet with friends and family. Play a game that involves two or more to get the benefits of mental challenge and socialization at the same time. If the game includes physical activity, which promotes a healthy blood flow to the brain, so much the better.
Backgammon, Mah Jongg, Scrabble, and chess are known to be good for the mind, and these also create settings for socialization. Bridge is another group activity. Research reveals that variety is important in mental stimulation, and interacting with other people has a positive effect on the part of the brain that controls decision making and planning. The production of cortisol, a harmful stress hormone, goes down when people get together for pleasant social activities.
A positive outlook is good for both mental and physical health. Depression often causes people to 'zone out' mentally and also makes it hard to get up and get going. Counselors advocate re-visiting happy times in life in trips down memory lane as a way to counter dark moods.
However, solitary computer exercise does have its place in maintaining mental capabilities. In fact, some programs actually chart the progress users make in skill advancement. They are not a replacement for socializing and cardiovascular activity, but the games offer additional and valuable mental stimulation. Check out the sites that offer scientifically developed fun for adults who want to keep all their marbles in good playing condition.
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