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Senior Citizens Keep the mind as sharp as a tack — or a razor

Friday, September 3, 2010 (ARA) – Most people focus on the physical changes that happen during the aging process - muscles don't bounce back the way they used to, hair becomes gray and skin begins to wrinkle. But we often pass over one area that really deserves attention: The brain. Not only can a healthy and active brain help ward off disease, it can also lead to a more satisfying life.

Researchers have long touted the benefits of continued learning and education for an aging mind. "New learning can lead to neurophysiological growth, similar to the way aerobics leads to stronger cardiovascular health," says Dr. Paul Nussbaum, clinical neuropsychologist and an authority on brain research and aging. "Older adults can benefit from being challenged, and should continue exploring the world and engaging in new pursuits."

Nussbaum says there are many ways to keep the mind active and sharp.

1. Brain workouts: Engage your brain daily. Working with numbers is a great option. Try Sudoku, a numbers game using grids that has become popular in the United States. If numbers don't add up for you, try crossword puzzles or word finds which are both practical and affordable. Do some research into a period of history that interests you and tell people about it. Discussing new found information is a way of testing how much you have recalled.

2. Travel and explore: Traveling and learning new things are good brain-health activities. Elderhostel, the world's largest non-profit educational travel organization, offers a wide variety of affordable travel experiences across the U.S. and in more than 90 countries. These all-inclusive programs offer behind-the-scenes access to fascinating places and provide camaraderie with fellow travelers,, comfortable accommodations and appetizing meals.

Since today's baby boomers don't consider themselves "elderly," the organization is changing the name of its program to Exploritas to better reflect the active mindset of Elderhostel participants and their passion for exploration and new experience. Elderhostel is also expanding its offerings by adding new programs and a social networking feature on its Web site, www.exploritas.org.

3. Read whatever you can: Whether books, newspapers or magazines, reading is a great way to keep your brain active and mind sharp. Visit the local library for a free resource to almost any literary work in which you might be interested.

4. Have quality conversations daily: Engaging in social activity is a great way to keep a brain active and increase the quality of life. Most of us have someone we've been meaning to call. Maybe now is finally the time. See if there is a community group of your peers that you could join - card club, book club, Rotary. Or, start volunteering for a cause that interests you; this will allow for plenty of interaction with people of different ages. 5. Learn something new: You're never too old or too young to learn something new. Try taking an affordable community education class or look for free opportunities in your neighborhood. Learn to play an instrument, speak a new language, plant a garden or start a new hobby. You might be surprised at how much fun you can derive from such activities.

6. Switch up your routine: Try to make one day a little different than the next, however you might be able to do that.

7. Get physically active: Staying physically active in and of itself can help with cognitive health. Physical movement increases blood flow to the brain and the act of walking, swimming or biking helps work the brain as it communicates with the body. Elderhostel offers programs that allow boomers to stay active through well-planned outdoor activities.