Healthy Mind

We talked about how we exercise our bodies in the original thread - but how do we exercise our minds?

The research seems to show that one of the best ways to fight off the onset of Alziemer's and dementia is to keep your mind challenged and active.

My mother's last few years were clouded with dementia and it was really sad to watch her slip to a different reality. I find myself forgetting things a lot and it scares me. I've read that forgetting your keys is OK but when you forget what your keys are - there's a problem.

I like to read, journal, play computer games, do crossword puzzles.

What are your mind exercises?

I worry about this, too. My father died in 2000 after (at least) five years with Alzheimer's. My mother has had several strokes and her mental functions are not nearly what they were earlier. I'm not sure if I can avoid these physical problems, but I'm trying to do a few things to give my mind some exercise.

I recently started doing crossword puzzles. When I retire (hopefully next year), I hope to start taking Spanish classes and other classes -- maybe anthropology. I look up words that I don't know in the dictionary. I have always done a lot of reading and hope to continue that. And I keep a journal.

I think keeping my physical health good is important, too. Things like clogged arteries and high blood pressure take their toll on the brain. So, walking, swimming, and other kinds of physical exercise are good.

Hi
I've read about keeping your mind active also. I'm still working so I think that counts! it will be a long time until I'm able to retire.

I'm an avid reader, 'play' on the computer. But I really wonder about those reports of keeping the mind active as being a deterrent for dementia. I suppose it sure is a help, but I have personal knowledge of a college professor (still working) who fell to this dreaded disease!! That is scary..

Guess we just make the best of each day, do what we can, and hope and pray for the best!

My mom had Alzheimers or dementia. That was bad. I will probably get it also. A boyfriend I had, a gym teacher, told me running is good for the mind. Strenuous exercise brings oxygen to the brain. Unfortunately I hate it. Mom took really expensive medicine to halt the Alzheimers. My dad did not have any brain function loss. If a person starts out with a good memory, that is a plus. My son has a terrific memory. Sometimes I wonder how I could live as long as my parents did.

I'm going to reply to this thread with the assumption that we *all* want to keep our mental abilities as agile as possible.

Some of us *may* end up w/Alzheimers, but I suspect that the majority of us will not.

It is my understanding that keeping the brain active, crossword & word puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, learning new things, like a language or a hobby, are all important to mental fitness. I look at these activities as "interactive" ie not just watching TV!

I have met 3 friends (women) in their late 60's-70's who had decided that they would learn one new thing each year... that particular year they were taking a college course (not for credit though) on introductory conversational chinese. They would listen to their pronunciation tapes as they took their daily walks.

My mom, at 94, has been doing a daily crossword puzzle for years...

What about Grandma Moses & her marvelous paintings?

Gals, let's look at the positive side of what we can do to be "mentally fit" as long as possible...

I would love to read a book exploring the biographies of women
who made great contributions to the world at 50 and over!!!!