Keep your Mind Fit

@amiablePeace77

Hi !

Thank you for the check-in !

Nowadays I am playing a lot of chess online.

I have always read science and philosophy and watched a lot of The Teaching Company / The Great Courses video courses.

I have used dedicated software, like N-Back training (Mindsparke, etc), Lumosity, and "Brain Training" in the Nintendo DS.

All the best,

Marcelo.

@amiablePeace77

Amiable this is a great Community Discussion here. Short and simple but gets a person to really think. Thank you again for creating this

1. When you see an elderly close to you doing something which is strange to their normal behavior and not based on stress or anxiety do you think about the fact that the same thing could happen to you?

Honestly I do, but not in a bad way. I think always that when I get to that stage in life, I do hope I am humble enough to let someone care for me. And that I get good care

2. If so, what thoughts come up, what do you think you need to do for yourself?

My thoughts are, I do hope I am humble. I do hope society will be accepting. I hope family is love and care for myself is there. I do hope if and when I get to the stage of doing weirdo things and I forget my loved ones and such, my time to meet the Lord will be quick

3. What are you currently doing to keep you brain fit?

I love doing brain games. I love doing math problems in my head. I bring up many past family memories with my friends family and kiddos. I also talk truthfully to my kids and let them know my wishes. I talk to them on society and not to be awful to those not like them.

This is a subject that hits home for me. Forgetting names and words has increased over the past several years- but other senior friends of mine assure me they are experiencing similar issues.

It is scary to think my mental capacity would require someone to assist in my daily life.

Because of the covid shutdown- and less social interaction I find 7 cups useful in keeping my mind engaged. Also as a listener I find myself researching issues that arise chatting with members. It is an exciting result of being there for others.

You’re right, we need to remember that our memories are everything. Without those, we’re just a clean slate. I admit that I don’t do enough physically and that I’m super forgetful. I didn’t really think those were linked but now it makes complete sense. I’m going to try and take more walks at least. It’s just so cold right now, snow and ice everywhere.

@amiablePeace77

When I am sitting with an elderly relative, I ask them about older days. It helps them jog their memory, feel nostalgic and being heard. At the same time, it helps me learn about my roots. 🧡

I don't think too much about what might happen. Trying to stay healthy and eat right as much as I can. Rest, whatever be may be. 😇

To keep my brain fit, I play some or the other intellectual game. Currently, I am hooked up on Scrabble.

@amiablePeace77

I was brought up to respect my eldeers so when I am shopping if I see someone older than me I always go out that extra mile to help them. I explained my upbringing and how I always try to do one good deed for someone. They always reply that they wish family members did for them as a stranger does. I enjoy always helkping others makes me feel good that just those few minutes meant something to them.

Hello, Thank you for the add :). I have been noticing it in my grandmother lately. What I do to help her retain information, when she’s telling a story and starts to stagger, I try to be patient with her giving her the time to formulate her words. Sometimes I help by guessing what it is she is trying to say, which helps her jump back into what she was saying in the first place. I do worry this will happening to me. She was diagnosed with early set dementia. They have been giving her natural hormones to help slow it down. I think visiting a lot and keeping those conversations going has been helping her with memory. I try not to let it bother me because it is a part of life and aging for some. What helps me in exercising my mental health (mainly muscle memory), is staying hydrated and writing. My sister and I love playing complicated card games that give us that push to think and strategize. I also try to read at least a chapter from a book I’m reading in the morning to get enough vocabulary in, and to learn new words as well. Less alcohol and taking vitamins capsules has been another factor in helping with remembering dreams and thinking probably throughout the day.

@amiablePeace77

I honestly don't really think too often about aging and the brain, but it is definitely something important to consider!

Reading a lot is one way I try to keep my mind fit. However, I think I can challenge myself more by doing more puzzles or puzzle-related games, practicing another language, or learning a new skill.

Hi @amiablePeace77.

The topic you wrote about is very integral and concerning. It's a harsh reality that people get senile as they age. Though not everyone may, but those who do are very high compared to those who don't.

Aging is a natural process & we ought to accept the changes that come with it.

How to keep the mind fit, is a lifelong and continuous process. The nutshell is to keep doing something that keeps the mind very active. I'll share a very brief roadmap. These are my observations from older people who have maintained their well being till their death.

1. Reading & Writing

Both of these tasks are mentally challenging. Though reading can be done passively, writing cannot. Writing is where people are forced to think and thereby exercise their mind.

2. Reducing tech dependence

After the advent of smart phones & tabs, we have killed a lot of mind - power. We no longer need to remember our loved ones' phone numbers or calculate numbers in our minds. There are contacts and calculators in our phones. So, try to remember numbers & calculate things in your mind.

3. Playing chess

Chess is a game that is strategic and competitive. It's a great mental sport to keep your mind sharp.

4. Meditation and self reflection

These are 2 simple techniques to avoid stress which eats up a lot of mental energy. They help in maintaining the mental peace and clarity, on a spiritual level. In fact , they work like a lubricant in letting the other activities move freely.

5. Physical activity, proper diet & sunlight

Last but not the least, these are the general well being tips. Have a good workout or exercise depending on your physical requirements. The key is - it should be challenging. Be it yoga, or any other cardiovascular workouts. Because, a healthy mind can stay healthy only in a healthy body. Sunlight is important because it has many benefits.

In short, it's not hard to keep the mind fit and healthy. It's simple and needs some effort.

Thanks for reading!