Learning: The Brain’s Version of Jumping Jacks

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, which a general term for memory loss and the loss of other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Mental decline is mostly due to altered connections in brain cells; keeping the brain active may help to generate new brain cells and increase the brain’s vitality. It’s the brain’s version of jumping jacks!

It’s never too late to learn something new

The old saying – It’s never too late to learn something new – is true! But it is more than that; it is about continually learning throughout your life. Studies have shown that a lower level of education may be related to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s later in life, due to less mental stimulation throughout a lifetime. Those people who have a higher level of education may be somewhat more protected from Alzheimer’s, possibly because the brain cells and their connections are stronger. More educated people can, and do, still get Alzheimer’s, but the symptoms may appear later.

Try to learn something new every day

Regardless of how old you are, you should continue to learn and stimulate your mind. That doesn’t mean having to get a PhD! Here are 5 simple things you can do to keep your brain active and healthy:

1. Put down the remote and read a book. Whether you like romance novels, history or fiction, reading is a great way to stimulate your mind. If you don’t want to spend the money to buy a book (or e-book), get a book from your local library.
2. Take a class. Do you want to learn how to paint, speak a foreign language, or play bridge? There are many adult education classes available at your local park district, community college or adult education center. Find something that you want to learn how to do and do it!
3. Play games. Do you like to play Scrabble, Monopoly, Bunco or Battleship? Keep playing! Learning can be disguised as fun! Remember, every Wednesday at 5pm, we play BINGO at our facility.
4. Do crossword, Sudoku or regular puzzles. Whether you are a master at the New York Times crossword puzzle or just like the scenic puzzle that you found at a garage sale, they challenge you to think and keep your mind active.
5. Garden. Yes, even when you are gardening you are learning something, which stimulates your brain. So throw on those gloves and plant some veggies and flowers!

At Naperville Senior Center, we incorporate games, puzzles, education, gardening and a host of other activities into our daily routine with our Members. We strive to provide them with mental stimulus to keep them active, engaged and included.

Contact us to get schedule a FREE 3-hour trial at our facility so you can see what we have to offer and understand the Naperville Senior Center experience, “Home Away From Home”.