All articles tagged with #mental stimulation
Certain hobbies such as reading, playing musical instruments, writing, learning languages, strategy games, and coding are linked to higher IQs because they engage and develop various cognitive skills, reflecting higher natural intelligence rather than causing it.
An Alzheimer’s expert suggests that spending just five minutes a day engaging in unfamiliar mental activities, such as learning new facts or solving puzzles, can help build cognitive resilience and potentially reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Knitting and other tactile hobbies are gaining popularity among younger generations and offer significant benefits for brain health by engaging multiple neural systems, supporting cognitive function, emotional regulation, and resilience, especially as we age. Learning new skills like knitting stimulates neural plasticity, enhances mood, and can help delay cognitive decline, while also providing emotional and social benefits. Engaging in such activities throughout life is crucial for maintaining mental agility and overall well-being.
Sally Froelich, a 95-year-old 'SuperAger,' shares her nine daily habits for longevity, including mindful eating, staying active, social engagement, and maintaining a positive outlook, while participating in a study exploring the genetics and lifestyle factors behind healthy aging.
A study of over 7,000 Norwegians has found that engaging in mentally stimulating work can help protect against cognitive decline in older age, with those in less mentally demanding jobs having a higher risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia after the age of 70. The research suggests that education and cognitive stimulation at work play significant roles in building cognitive reserve, emphasizing the importance of using the brain through work and pursuing cognitively challenging activities outside of work to promote long-term cognitive health.
Skipping walks for your dog can lead to boredom, stress, and health issues, as walks provide essential exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship. Dogs need the opportunity to explore and sniff during walks, and denying them this can lead to symptoms of chronic stress. Additionally, walking dogs can benefit the mental and physical health of their owners.
Maintaining optimal brain health is crucial for overall well-being and cognitive function, and incorporating activities such as regular exercise, mental stimulation, adequate sleep, healthy nutrition, and social engagement can significantly enhance brain health and cognitive function. These activities promote blood flow to the brain, stimulate different areas of the brain, consolidate memories, provide essential nutrients, and stimulate various cognitive functions, ultimately supporting a fulfilling and mentally sharp life.
Staying fit and healthy in your 70s and 80s involves regular exercise, a nutrient-rich diet, mental and social stimulation, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Engaging in activities like swimming, cycling, and strength training can help keep the body active, while consuming a diverse range of nutrient-rich foods and staying hydrated is crucial. Additionally, participating in social activities, maintaining a healthy sex life, and monitoring health through regular check-ups and supplements can contribute to a fulfilling and healthy old age.
Stroke patients can take several crucial steps to aid their recovery, including exercising to the best of their ability, engaging in mental tasks to improve brain function, not neglecting leisure activities, embracing technology for rehabilitation support, and paying attention to symptoms that may not seem obvious. These strategies, in conjunction with clinical rehabilitation plans, can help promote physical and neurological recovery, enhance cognitive abilities, improve mood and wellbeing, and provide support for stroke survivors and their caregivers.
As people prepare to return to a more regular office schedule, educational apps are a great way to make use of downtime while waiting for transportation or appointments. Language-learning apps like Babbel, Duolingo, Memrise, and Rosetta Stone offer short lessons in various languages, while apps like Bloomberg Connects and Google Arts & Culture provide virtual tours of museums and cultural sites. The TED app offers thousands of free lectures on various topics, and Sololearn and Khan Academy offer coding lessons. For mental stimulation, trivia apps like Knowledge Trainer and brain-training apps like Elevate and Peak are available.
At 101 years old, the world's oldest practicing doctor shares his secrets to keeping the brain sharp. He continues to work, believing that retiring can lead to cognitive decline. He stays up to date with medical advancements, volunteers, pursues hobbies, and learns new skills. Maintaining social connections is also crucial, as strong relationships can help maintain memory and cognitive function. Reading for entertainment is another habit that keeps his mind active.