Brain fitness in the elderly

In today’s society, brain fitness is becoming more and more popular. Brain games are important for everyone of all ages, especially for senior citizens. Why? As we age, our brains tend to deteriorate. Memory loss, slower reaction time and less focus are some of the common things that happen when we get older. With all of this said, brain games are showing up in many retirement communities where brain fitness centers are built, so the elderly can utilize them.

These fitness centers usually have many computers, specific expensive dedicated brain training devices and a training instructor, who consider brain exercises very important. There are simpler and cheaper solution around like the CogniFit personalized brain fitness program which works on a regular Windows or Mac computer using the Internet browser. The International Business Time, CNN Health and NBC list the CogniFit program in the top 2 best app to train your brain. In addition, the CogniFit program is self-explanatory so you do not require an instructor. What else? The CogniFit personalized brain fitness program is one of the few programs that is scientifically validated.

Doing brain exercises can have many benefits. In fact, there are so many benefits; I am going to list only a fraction of them. Some include: improved memory, quicker thinking, faster reaction time, enhanced listening, self-confidence, improved self-image, better driving, sharper vision and better overall well being. Of course, I only scratched the service of the countless things brain exercises can do for you.

Mental exercises not only provide mental stimulation, they provide social stimulation as well. What does social interaction have to do with the brain?  Social interaction involves many cognitive abilities such as concentration, memory and attention. The more we interact the more we use our cognitive abilities. The more we use our cognitive abilities, the stronger the brain gets. Lastly, please do not forget about physical fitness!  Along with mental stimulation and social stimulation, physical stimulation is also crucial to your health and well-being! Makes sure you are physically active at least a few times a week. In addition, you should make an effort to eat healthy. Some of the healthiest brain foods include: fish, tomatoes, blueberries, nuts, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, sage and many whole-grain foods. Mental stimulation, social stimulation and physical stimulation are the trifecta of a healthy lifestyle!

The brain fitness industry has exploded over the last decade. In 2005, the industry accumulated $200 million in revenue, and in 2012, the industry surpassed $1 billion in revenue. Not only that, experts are predicting that by 2020, the brain fitness industry will be worth six billion dollars. Remember, the physical fitness industry boom? Some people are comparing today’s brain fitness industry to the physical fitness boom decades earlier. Perhaps we will have brain trainers in the future. Hey, the idea of physical fitness trainers was taboo only decades ago. Who knows what the future will bring.