The Aging Brain: Maintaining Cognitive Function

The New York Times recently published an article about research on the aging brain. I have always known that if you keep yourself mentally alert, you can preserve your cognitive sharpness and mental acuity. It has been suggested that if you learn a new language, do crossword puzzles, play Sudoku and other challenging games, you will be able to slow down the risk of getting dementia. However, this new research is taking it a step further.

Apparently, not only is it important to use your mind, but it is even more important to do so in a social setting. The University of Southern California has been researching a group of residents in Laguna Woods, who are active and self-sufficient, even though these elders are well into their 90’s.

The key to their brain health is the afternoon bridge game, where they must maintain a strong focus by remembering the bidding, the dealt hands and the strategies of their partner. If their memory should lapse, they are required to step down from the more serious games to the casual ones, also offered. While they are interacting with each other, at the same time they are maintaining brain health and fitness.

These residents are considered some of the most successful seniors in the world. In fact, this research is altering the way scientists are looking at the aging brain. While exercise and diet can’t hurt to keep you healthy and alert, it seems you need to be involved in a social connection with others to maintain your self-awareness. Psychologists believe that in isolation, a healthy mind can go blank and become confused.

Therefore, if we want to maintain our cognitive independence, we need to stay close with our friends, have stimulating interactions and keep challenging our brains by trying new activities. George Burns once said, “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.”That's my new motto and I'm going to work at it!Amy can be reached at www.bummedoutboomer.com