| As our population gets older people are looking for | | | | dementia. |
| new ways to keep their minds sharp. No one | | | | If you are considering taking up video games as a |
| looks forward to a time when their mental | | | | way to stave off old age, remember that |
| faculties weaken. The latest trend is for older | | | | nutrition and exercise also play a large role in |
| people to play video and computer games, as well | | | | maintaining strong memory and other mental |
| as other games requiring mental agility. Millions of | | | | functions. A combination of stimulation from a |
| baby boomers and beyond are spending several | | | | variety of sources is probably the best bet if you |
| hours each week with games designed to | | | | want to keep your mind fine tuned. |
| maintain manual dexterity and cognitive powers | | | | Cognitive abilities can also be improved by |
| usually associated with people of a much younger | | | | changing your routine, like brushing your hair with |
| age. | | | | the opposite hand or using your non-dominant |
| The video game manufacturers are rising to the | | | | hand to do laundry or dishes. Physical exercise for |
| occasion. They are learning how to market to an | | | | at least twenty minutes each day will also keep |
| audience twice the usual age for these products. | | | | the blood flowing to the brain and other organs. |
| In the past the older audience expressed a | | | | Playing cards or board games or playing a musical |
| profound dislike for video and computer games. | | | | instrument may also strengthen the connection |
| But now that they are seeing the potential | | | | between the synapses and neurons in the brain. |
| benefits to their memory, attention span and | | | | The best idea is to keep your mind stimulated |
| problem solving ability the games seem more | | | | and continue to find new things to be learning. |
| attractive. | | | | Conversation with a variety of people will also help |
| Some are even saying that by playing these | | | | to maintain mental acuity. A variety of methods, |
| games on a regular basis the risk of Alzheimer's | | | | including video and computer games, may be the |
| disease may be reduced. This could also be true | | | | key to years of enjoying a healthy body and |
| for those adults with attention deficit disorder or | | | | sharp mind. |