Mind Exercises

by Kathy Lupfer-Nielsen

Aging may change the way the brain stores information…making harder to recall stored information. By the time we’re in our twenties, we begin to lose a few brain cells. If we want our brain to continue to operate in maximum potential then we need to exercise it just like our bodies: “Use it or Lose it” 

Typical changes associated with aging include:

• Slower mental processing. It may take a little longer to learn new things. 
• Slower recall of information. Names, faces and facts may not come to mind as quickly. 
• Reduced ability to focus on multiple tasks. 

People who engage in intellectually stimulating activities can sharpen mental acuity and maintain it well into old age. As new skills are learned, the brain sparks development of synaptic connections. Our brain contains 100 billion neurons (the functional cells in the nervous system) and 100 trillion synapses (the gap between neurons). The more we engage our brain to make the synaptic connections, the denser our brain will be and we’ll have greater intellectual capacity. 

Some of the mind-stimulating exercises that Donna Martinson, former Geary County FCS listed in Brain Blitz lesson include: 

• Learn to play a musical instrument…or if you played one as a child, borrow or dig out your old instrument to practice again. 
• Play board games or cards. Do crossword puzzles or word searches and try using your non-dominant hand to strengthen your brain. 
• Volunteer and interact with people. Join a new organization and meet new people. 
• Read, both silently as well as aloud as this works different parts of the brain. 
• Go dancing…exercise or swim. 
• Learn to use a computer and explore the internet. 
• Take a class. 
• Visit a museum
• Go to movies or a new restaurant. 

 For more ideas and the rest of the Brain Blitz lesson use this web link: http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/MF2693.pdf 

Post Rock Extension is also offering the Master of Memory, program developed by Texas A & M Agrilife Extension. Mankato and Lincoln Senior Centers are hosting workshops now and others are welcome to contact Kathy if their community would be interested. knielsen@ksu.edu 

This six week workshop covers memory strategies, using a memory diary, keeping a medication record as well as nutrition and wellness to keep you sharp as you age. 

Kathy Lupfer-Nielsen is a Family Consumer Sciences Extension Agent for the Post Rock District in north central Kansas.