Attention Seniors: Brain Training, A New Excercise Program

As I entered my “Golden Years” (several years ago, I might add) one of my goals was to keep my brain active—limit TV, limit idle “brain” moments, read a lot and have many interests that kept me busy. I was “sharp” for someone my age, but now I’m even “sharper” and more aware of exercising my brain in ways that I had not focused on and those areas that are most beneficial to maintaining the right kind of brain health.

What started this new revelation in my life? For Christmas, my son and daughter-in-law gave me a Nintendo DS Lite handheld high-powered video game system. It is portable and small (3”x5”x3/4”) and weighs practically nothing. I carry it in my purse. It is an amazing bright blue and black, but comes in many colors, if you like to color coordinate. With the game system they gave me a game card (size of card is 1”x1”) called BRAIN AGE 1. The game system, which comes with two stylus that you use to touch the screen, and the software can be purchased for around $150—can sometimes be found for less if you watch for promotionals or check on Internet.

The first thing you do, after you charge the game system by plugging it into an electrical outlet for an hour, is to check your Brain Age. Hint: While you are waiting, take the time to read the little manual that comes with the game card and, of course, the one with the DS Lite. I was pretty smug when I started to check my Brain Age as I felt I had better thought processes than most people my age. (By the way, I will be 74 in 6 weeks.) Horrors!!! My brain age was “””80”””. Was I ever embarrassed and determined to rectify this situation. According to the test, that you can take whenever you want, my brain age is now 37, but I use the game system everyday and have purchased two other game cubes—BrainAge 2 and Brain Academy.

“The idea behind the game is to work on the functions of your prefrontal cortex, which is like the control tower of your brain—it determines how you use stored knowledge in practical situations. That means that your “practical intelligence,” or ability to apply stored knowledge to your everyday reality, depends upon how well your prefrontal cortex functions. Training that part of your brain raises your intelligence.” This is a statement taken from the manual with the game card. The prefrontal cortex is the foundation of creativity, memory, communication, and self-control. It is considered the brain within the rest of your brain.

Did you know performing simple math calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and reading aloud two to five times per week will improve the functioning of the prefrontal cortices? How long has it been since you wrote down the multiplication tables as quickly as you can (without a calculator, please)? How about reading something out-loud as fast as you can—and no Dr. Seuss!

In articles that follow, I will be giving you more guides and information about computer websites that have brain games and information without having to purchase the video game as well as activities you can do without the video game or a computer. If you have any questions or want more information please contact  me and I will be more than pleased answer you.