Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Benefits Of Brain Exercise Games For Adults

By Claudine Hodges


Baby boomers are facing the fact that mental acuity declines with age, as the growing number of people in nursing homes proves. However, research shows that there are ways to keep the mind strong and healthy. Physical exercise, eating a good diet, and getting enough sleep are important for both body and mind. In addition, scientists have developed brain exercise games for adults that are designed specifically to help maintain cognitive function.

Neuro science has combined with the information age to create online games designed to stimulate the brain in specific, beneficial ways. Studies show that playing this kind of carefully crafted game can help retard memory loss, improve focus, and enhance task performance. This validates earlier research that showed the importance of daily decision making. Patients in nursing homes that were allowed to make simple choices and help with routine tasks like setting the table stayed mentally competent longer than those relegated to inactivity.

It's more than just not losing short-term memory or being able to dress unaided. People who play these online games showed more creativity, were able to accomplish more on an on-going scale of improvement, and took more satisfaction out of doing tasks. Motivation showed a marked increase, so it's easy to see how the quality of life goes up when brain training is introduced.

Moderation is important when engaging in online gaming. Just as people can exercise too much, eat too much of even good food, and take more medication or supplements than necessary, mental gaming can be over-done. Twenty minute sessions several times a week are recommended, but game-playing can be addictive. Research shows that habitual and repetitious activity is not highly beneficial.

Other things enter into mental health. Interaction with people is important, so turn off the computer after the prescribed time and meet with friends and family. Play a game that involves two or more to get the benefits of mental challenge and socialization at the same time. If the game includes physical activity, which promotes a healthy blood flow to the brain, so much the better.

Social activities can be mind stimulating. Bridge, Backgammon, Mah Jongg, and chess involve two or more people, and they are all mentally challenging. Variety is another thing that boosts mental capacity, so try changing the routine instead of falling into habits. Interacting with other people in pleasant ways has a measurable effect on the lobe of the brain that controls decision making and planning.

Being happy is proved to be good for both physical and mental health. Positive emotions are important, and counselors encourage re-playing good memories in as much detail as possible to off-set gloomy thoughts. Getting together with friends fosters a good mood.

Keep everything in balance, and solitary computer gaming can play a valuable part in keeping the mind strong, active, and capable. Programs online can actually chart progress of members who play regularly. As part of a lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, adequate water intake and physical activity, and time spent happily with family and friends, online mental exercise games have proved to be very beneficial.




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