Belmont Village Quarterly Newsletter
on Senior Living

Gray Matters: Mental Fitness Key to Overall Wellness

The brain is like any other part of your body — it needs exercise; and, like other parts of the body, it can improve with use. Studies have found that higher levels of education are associated with lower rates of dementia. But “education” does not necessarily mean a university degree. Mental activity, including learning a new hobby or skill, is what counts; it seems that using the brain increases neuron connection and activates processes that keep the neuron and their circuits alive and well. If brain cells are not used regularly, they and their connections will deteriorate.

Memory and the ability to think clearly can be boosted by mental and physical exercise, socialization and proper diet.  Below are a few simple steps to help you stay mentally and physically fit:

• Exercise your body and your mind — countless studies have indicated a direct correlation between physical and mental fitness — increasing blood flow to the brain, and using your mind and body in conjunction with one another will give you an all-over work-out.

• Vary your routine — even small changes such as taking a different route or switching the order in which you perform regular tasks can help stimulate a new part of the brain.

• Socialize — engaging in conversation, meeting new people, and processing new information activates your mind, exercises your brain and improves mood and outlook.

• Play it smart — working crossword puzzles or Sudoku puzzles, or playing chess, checkers or card games with friends can help stimulate thought processing — be sure to integrate a variety of games and activities so that you are regularly working different cerebral circuits and neuronal regions.

• Stay open to new experiences — visiting new places or learning a new skill, such as how to use a computer, or even a new function on the computer, can sharpen the mind.

The internet can be great tool for keeping in touch and stimulating the brain. Exchanging e-mails and photos, sharing interesting articles and stories, or even playing chess together by computer, are just a few of the ways you can stay connected with your loved ones and encourage them to learn new skills at the same time.

Each Belmont Village community has a Center for Learning that features computers specially configured to be senior-friendly and easy to access.  Residents can surf the web and email family and friends via high-speed equipment. The Activities Program Coordinator is on hand to answer any questions.

Activities in the Center for Learning are just one element of the cognitive enrichment programs for Belmont Village residents. For more information, please contact a Community Relations Associate. Click here for contact information.

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