Keep Your Brain Fit as You Age
Old age means forgetfulness and finding it difficult to learn new skills, right?
No, it doesn't have to be so if you keep your brain fit with mind-training exercises , say researchers.
Researchers found the reason why old people easily forget things is because they memorize too many unimportant things. Experts claim that when muscles aren't exercised, they become stunted; therefore keeping mentally fit throughout our lives increases the chances of staying mentally fit during old age.
Experts believe the degeneration process begins at the age of 40, but people begin to notice once they retire, a slowing down due to the lack of using concentration and memory skills.
Memory can be activated with simple exercises
We can for instance look for words that begin and end with Z, or search for famous people whose first names start with A. Such exercises promote concentration and the ability to memorize. Other research has shown instances of older people remembering better with sound, rhyme and picture associations."The crazier and funnier such an association the better it works."
It has been discovered that old people learn by repeating material frequently and the individual learning sections must be shorter. Learning is especially easy if the material is well structured and the environment is quiet. The best time of the day is in the morning and late afternoon".
The important thing for old people is that they should have fun in learning and that they should have motivation.
It is important to break the daily routine either with a course of a new hobby. Taking the same route every day to do the shopping, keeping a set routine for many years and keeping the same hobby for decades does not keep the brain active enough.
Learning new words with a card system, speaking them out aloud and writing them down consolidates the learning material. Doing a body exercise in between brings the circulation back into flow.
These approaches of keeping the mind healthy and memory strong are practical, inexpensive and simple. These exercises are also easy and can be practiced anywhere, so it wouldn't hurt to give them a try.
Always remember that - "It is no good to give the brain a break. Staying alive, taking part in life keeps the brain fit,"
Diet Useful to keep Brain Fit:
Optimizing your intake of omega-3 fats is also important. Lack of omega-3 fatty acid seems to be a strongly associated with those who struggle with memory problems. The best way to get a routine dose of omega-3 fats is through cod liver oil , flaxseed oil, almonds, walnuts. wheat germ, dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale.Interestingly, Ayurvedic medicine has traditionally viewed walnuts as “brain food,” and cited the structural allegory implicit in the walnut’s shape matching that of the cerebral cortex.
In addition, Ayurvedic medicine praise the virtues of ghee and dairy for the brain. Ghee in small amounts is extremely beneficial to health. it is a rich source of omega three fatty acids, contains mono-unsaturated fats, as well as is highly resistant to oxidation. While most of its fat is saturated, unlike other dairy and meat fats, it is composed of short chain fatty acids that are readily used for energy and tend to be quickly metabolized. Ghee in small amount, of 1-2 tsp. per day, is considered a rasayana, or rejuvenative, for the brain.
Sugar is one of the main culprits linked to memory loss. Studies have proven that people with the inability to rapidly bring down elevated sugar levels are more likely to experience memory loss. Just for this reason alone, it is of utmost importance to minimize use of sugarsin your diet.
Ayurvedic Herbs Useful to keep Brain Fit:
Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis): It is a memory booster and promotes memory capacity of the old age people. Chyavanaprash is a famous Ayurvedic formulation, which has amalaki(gooseberry) in good proportion.
Brahmi (Bacopa Monniera): It is a good brain tonic and is reported to improve the intellect.
Vacha (Acorus Calamus): Vacha is a very useful herb for memory retention & excellent brain tonic.
Shankhpuspi (Convolvus Pluricaulis): According to ayurveda it is excellent nerve stimulant & rejuvinative brain functions.
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