Doing Brain exercises Helps to Maintain and Enhance Cognitive Function For Senior Retirees.

Improving your brain power is also known as Neuroplasticity and is increasingly important for senior retirees. Though it sounds complex, it’s rather straightforward and involves everyday, common activities. Many studies have looked at the correlation between brain exercises and cognitive function. For those trying to improve their memories, or improve their ability to process information quickly, there’s an array of activities and games to participate in order to keep your brain active.

Change it Up

The author of Neuroplasticity and Clinical Practice: Building Brain Power for Health, “Joyce Shaffer” says that changing your daily routine and stimulating your brain with different activities is crucial to enhancing cognitive function. Fortunately, there’s an abundance of ways that you’re able to change up your daily activities to keep your brain alert.

Changing up your routine could be as simple as taking a new pathway on your daily walks. Or it could be learning a new board game to play with friends or family. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to do something on the computer. It doesn’t matter what you do. The key is to continue learning, no matter how big or small the task.

Game Play

Whoever said that games are for children? It’s just not true. Games are equally as enjoyed by adults. It’s just that grownups typically like different, more mature types of games. There are so many games that are targeted at adults from card games, to cryptic games, to board games. The choices are infinite when you’re looking for something to keep your brain busy.

If you haven’t participated in a game for a while, do some research online or ask around in your social circle for ideas. Many card games are great because they not only challenge your brain, but they get you out and about, interacting with others at the same time. Solo games can be great for people too if they’re unable to play in a group setting. Some suggestions include sudoku, crosswords, or solitaire. Whatever you choose, work on giving the analytical side of your brain a daily challenge if you can fit it in.

Read a Book

We all know that reading is a wonderful hobby that’s relaxing, but it also gets your mind working too. When you read, you’re essentially giving your brain a good workout. If you’re thinking about adding reading to your routine, or you’re already an avid reader, why not get a membership with your local library? If you can’t get to the library, there are mobile library services in some communities.

As you age, often your eyesight deteriorates. Some people even develop chronic eye conditions. If your sight is poor, you’re still able to join in reading. Somebody might like to read to you, but if not there’s support available. As the first point of call, consider contacting Vision Australia. They actually have a library service and membership too.

Move Your Body

The benefits of exercise are widely known. And as your brain is an organ, like all of your other organs it benefits from increased blood supply and stimulation. Exercise encourages the release of serotonin and endorphins which make you feel good. But these hormones also increase the chances of producing new brain cells. This is known as Neurogenesis.

As you get older, exercise becomes more of a challenge. But it’s so important to include exercise in your daily routine. If you’ve restricted mobility, consider attending an exercise class with an exercise physiologist. Alternatively, visit your local physiotherapist who’ll tailor a program that’s suitable for you. By seeing a professional for exercise advice, you’ll reduce your risk of injuring yourself while exercising. The key is to find a way to get your blood flowing quicker, whether it’s a gentle aqua aerobics class, a walk in the park, or a Tai Chi class.

For those senior retirees, it becomes increasingly important to find activities that exercise your brain. By enjoying some or all of the suggested options above,  you can aid in retaining your memory and hopefully slow down cognitive impairment for as long as possible.

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