Put on some music and smell the flowers and you are helping your brain create its own nutrients that preserve, strengthen and grow brain cells. That just one of the exercises of Neurobics, a unique system of brain exercises that uses your five physical senses. Neurobics was created by Dr. Lawrence C. Katz of Duke University Medical Center as fun and easy ways to help achieve a fit and flexible mind.
Try some of these exercises at home : Eat with your opposite hand, get dressed with your eyes closed, listen to the rain and tap your fingers, watch clouds and play with modelling clay at the same time, and pick a new route to go to work.
It is a myth that you lose a large amount of brain cells as you get older. Numerous studies have shown that there isn't much difference in a 25-year old brain and a 75-year old brain. The Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York found that active seniors reduced their risk of dementia by 75 %, compared to those who weren't.
University of Illinois researchers took a sedentary group aged 60 to 75 and put them on a fitness regime with a aerobic workout of up to 90 minutes three times a week. Walkers improved up to 15 % on mental tests . Exercise such as aerobics and walking increases the flow of oxygen rich blood to the brain
Ours is a sedentary society with a big decline in both mental and physical health. Just think how computers and video games impact our youth who get very little daily physical activity. I personally believe that every school in the nation should require at least 30 minutes of physical exercise every day.
Amazingly enough, inactive adults are twice as likely to get Alzheimer's than those who exercise 3 times a week. Intellectual pursuits such as reading, painting, playing a musical instrument, gardening, playing cards or board games, are also very protective against the onset of this mind-robbing disease.
Unless you want to turn into the veggie known as the " couch potato " start challenging your brain and body. Try to limit the amount of time at the computer and in front of the tv. Take a class or start a new hobby. Get out and walk for 30 minutes to an hour at least 3 times a week. You'll be much smarter and fitter for it.
Amazingly enough, inactive adults are twice as likely to get Alzheimer's than those who exercise 3 times a week. Intellectual pursuits such as reading, painting, playing a musical instrument, gardening, playing cards or board games, are also very protective against the onset of this mind-robbing disease.
Unless you want to turn into the veggie known as the " couch potato " start challenging your brain and body. Try to limit the amount of time at the computer and in front of the tv. Take a class or start a new hobby. Get out and walk for 30 minutes to an hour at least 3 times a week. You'll be much smarter and fitter for it.
Here are some free fun ways to train your brain.
Written by Carolyngail
Nice post, Carolyn. I do have to gently challenge that bit about active people and Alzheimers. My father, two of his sisters were all active, brilliant, vital people; Dad struck down with it in his mid-sixties, his sisters in late 70s. Sometimes genetics just suck. However, I do what I can to prevent mental decay (and I'm ambidextrous, do you suppose that helps?) I remind my sister we're only HALF DeLong, after all.
ReplyDeleteAnd smelling the flowers is definitely always a good idea.
Carolyn, what an excellent post! My problem is I spend too much time in front of computer. But, blogging is a creative process, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jodi. I understand why you would challenge the research because there's always the exception to the rule.
ReplyDeleteI know avid gardeners get plenty of the Sunshine vitamin during the summer but I wonder how many of us cooped up inside for the long winter actually do ? Researchers have found a connection to low levels of Vitamin D to Alzheimer's ( among other diseases such as cancer ) and since you live in a Northern climate make sure you get the RDA of 800-1000 units. The latest vitamin/mineral supplements usually include the updated RDA so you just have to take 1 pill a day.
Here's to wishing you got the better half of the DeLongs :-)
Yes Tatyana,
ReplyDeleteBlogging is indeed a creative process but it's always good to get away from the computer for several hours a day for some physical exercise.
Great advice, Carolyn! Fun to walk in this balmy weather :)
ReplyDelete