Importance of brain exercises for seniors

The brain is one of the most complex and intriguing organs in the human body. It controls our thoughts, memory, motor skills and is responsible for many other cognitive abilities.

Unfortunately, our brains shrink as we grow older, and our memory performance and mental alertness can start to decline. 

This explains why many seniors find it hard to remember names, multitask, or pay attention.

In fact, Dementia is one of the major complications of an aging brain.

Sadly, brain aging is inevitable. 

1. Better Memory

There is a negative perception of our mental ability as we age. If you’re a senior, it can be frustrating trying to remember a name or finding where you kept your keys.  

The information just stays right at the tip of your brain, and it feels almost impossible to recollect.

Brain exercises stimulate the brain and enhance your memory – It can improve your memory retention and make remembering simple tasks much easier.

For instance, games like Sudoku focus can improve your short-term memory.

Top tip: Learning a new language is also an excellent way to boost memory retention and stay sharp at old age.

2. Brain Health

“Use it or lose it.” If you don’t use your brain consistently, your brain cells will die. The brain needs constant exercise to perform optimally, and staying mentally active is the only way to do this.

When your brain is healthy and happy, you can improve your quality of life. Brain exercises can help your mental well-being and help you socialize better. 

An active, healthy brain will be more resilient to depression, stress or anxiety. 

3. Boost your mood

With age, our personalities evolve. Unfortunately, mood swings are one of the changes that accompany the aging process. Luckily, brain exercises stimulate the brain to release feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine, which naturally lift our mood.

What’s more? Doing brain exercises for as little as 5 minutes every day can help fortify your brain and prevent long-term depression and anxiety.

4. Improved Career Performance

Whether you have a career in finance, manufacturing, or customer service, doing brain exercises can help you improve concentration and focus.

Many brain exercises improve cognitive functions, which determine how well you’ll perform specific tasks. By enhancing your problem solving, creativity, and even boosting intelligence, you’ll perform better at work.

Brain exercises are crucial if you want to advance your career as a senior. The reason is – you’ll need high-level cognitive abilities to digest new information and develop new skills.

5. Better Sleep

Just as physical exercise can help you sleep better, mental exercise can also improve the quality of your sleep. Unfortunately, it becomes much harder to sleep as we get older.

Brain exercises stimulate the brain and tell the brain to rest when needed. Your brain has to work harder to process the challenges of brain exercises it takes. The harder your brain works, the more sleep your brain will need to recover. If you’re struggling with sleep, I recommend meditation or listening to music.

6. Sharper Listening Skill

Your brain is just as important as your ears when listening.

The brain’s auditory processing gradually slows down after 30, so as a senior, it is crucial you have sharp listening skills.

Your listening skills will come in handy if you’re having a conversation in a noisy environment, you’re talking with someone with an accent, or you are simply listening to your fast-talking grandchild.

Brain exercises help you coordinate your thoughts and allow you to hear and understand much more effectively.

7. Quicker Reaction Time

Our brain controls most of our bodily functions, so the faster your brain is, the faster your body is. A healthy brain will process information and react to it much quicker. This can be incredibly helpful when you’re driving and need to make a quick decision.

Playing Memory games, Word games, or Puzzle games can improve your impulse control and reaction time.

8. Protect against Dementia and cognitive decline

Cognitive decline is a natural phenomenon that occurs with age. Luckily, you can slow the brain’s aging process by stimulating your brain’s nerve cells.

According to Harvard Publishing health, mental stimulation can help ward off cognitive decline.

In fact, enough mental stimulation can stimulate the growth of new brain cells. 

Wrap Up

Brain exercises are an essential way to sharpen your mind, stay alert, and improve your brain health. To ensure your brain functions optimally, you need mental exercise.

What’s more? Brain training does not always have to be challenging; you can play fun, simple games and still stay mentally fit. 

If you’re a senior looking for the secret to healthy aging, you need to try brain exercises today.