Thursday, 4 December 2014

Online Brain Exercise Games For Adults

By Claudine Hodges


People are more aware now than ever before that the brain ages like the body. Many of the things that keep our bodies healthy - like exercise, sufficient sleep, a nutritious diet, and stress management - also benefit our minds. In addition, there are new ways spawned by the information age to keep the mind going strong. Research shows that brain exercise games for adults are helpful in maintaining and even restoring cognitive function.

Neuro scientists have studied the way the mind works, and research shows that certain activities stimulate mental acuity, while others retard it. Games that stimulate the mind are also designed to train it, bringing about improvement in focus and retention. This helps slow memory loss and make accomplishing tasks easier, both important factors as people age. The games consist of timed challenges that call for quick decisions. Early studies show the importance of decision-making on mental health; nursing home patients allowed to participate in daily tasks and make choices for themselves functioned better for longer than those relegated to inactivity.

It's more than just not losing short-term memory or being able to dress unaided. People who play these online games showed more creativity, were able to accomplish more on an on-going scale of improvement, and took more satisfaction out of doing tasks. Motivation showed a marked increase, so it's easy to see how the quality of life goes up when brain training is introduced.

Just as with physical activity, eating good food, and taking supplements, using these mental tools should be done with moderation. Some sites suggest having a twenty-minute session several times a week. Others claim that their games are fun and may be addictive, so be careful not to over-do this good thing.

Computer games should not replace other things that are good for mental health, like social interaction. Time spent with family and friends is a great stress-reducer, and stress is bad for the mind both physically and psychologically. Physical activity increases circulation, which brings needed oxygen and glucose to the brain.

Backgammon, Mah Jongg, Scrabble, and chess are known to be good for the mind, and these also create settings for socialization. Bridge is another group activity. Research reveals that variety is important in mental stimulation, and interacting with other people has a positive effect on the part of the brain that controls decision making and planning. The production of cortisol, a harmful stress hormone, goes down when people get together for pleasant social activities.

Being happy is proved to be good for both physical and mental health. Positive emotions are important, and counselors encourage re-playing good memories in as much detail as possible to off-set gloomy thoughts. Getting together with friends fosters a good mood.

However, solitary computer exercise does have its place in maintaining mental capabilities. In fact, some programs actually chart the progress users make in skill advancement. They are not a replacement for socializing and cardiovascular activity, but the games offer additional and valuable mental stimulation. Check out the sites that offer scientifically developed fun for adults who want to keep all their marbles in good playing condition.




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