by While the cause of diseases like dementia and memory loss is still a mystery, many studies show that keeping the brain agile can keep it healthier for longer. Gary Small, MD of the UCLA Longevity Center says that the brain just like other parts of the body requires regular exercises to keep it in perfect condition.
Various activities can maximize cognitive fitness. Even better, different games focus on different areas ranging from problem-solving to memory and concentration.
Below are some of the games that are good for your brain and can be beneficial to you well into your sunset years.I
Crossword
This remains the best game for cognitive exercises. Enough studies show that there is a correlation between a habit of doing crossword puzzles and delayed start of dementia.
A review of previously published studies on mental health found that crossword puzzles and other forms of mental exercises were quite effective in preserving cognitive function and memory.
The report actually found that these in some cases worked better than medication.
There are enough resources for playing crossword puzzles available both offline and online. The Guardian Speedy Crossword Answers, for example, is a good place to start if you are interested in the crossword game.
Jigsaw Puzzles
Yet another classic that is ideal for keeping the brain active. Jigsaw puzzles are particularly great for boosting short-term memory. The more pieces in the jigsaw puzzle, the better as this can only translate to enhanced brain engagement.
There are different ways you can make the game interesting. For example, flip the pieces over so you only rely on the shapes to piece the puzzles together. You can also try a variety of jigsaw puzzles.
Video Games
Unbelievably, video games can be good for your body and overall health. Funny right? Considering all the negative vibe associated with video games. A recent study showed that video games could benefit your body in more ways than one.
That said you have to choose video games that involve a lot of multitasking. Such games will help you cope with distractions and help a great deal in recalling information. The games will also tremendously improve your problem-solving skills.
Concentration
There are different variations of this game, but they are all effective in engaging the mind. Whether you choose to the simple cards flipping and matching variation or the more complex spaghetti variation, you can be sure that you will be doing your brain a lot of good by playing the concentration game.
Chess
Often said to be the most intellectually stimulating game, chess can help in improving both short term and long-term memory.
Numerous studies actually show that chess can help in not only boosting memory but also in sparking creativity, increasing problem-solving skills, and improving reading skills. A study by
Dr. Stuart Margulies a few years back showed that kids who participate in chess programs had better reading skills compared to those who did not engage in chess. Chess has also been used to help people recovering from a stroke and other forms of disability improve their fine motor skills.
Sudoku
Highly addictive, fun, and mind engaging, this pretty much sums up this classic game. The good thing is that you do not have to love math to enjoy it, all you need to do is play around with numbers. It helps that Sudoku is available literally everywhere.
From local newspapers to online and offline Sudoku, there are numerous platforms where you can enjoy playing this game.
Thomas Snyder, a world Sudoku champion says that you do not need to have any knowledge beforehand. You can start playing Sudoku today and perfect your skills along the way. There are also basic versions that are perfect for beginners.
Brain Yoga
Brain Yoga as the name suggests is designed with brain health in mind. The exercise is designed to keep the mind sharp and active. Brain yoga involves squatting exercises that stimulate acupuncture points in the ear.
These points in turn work to stimulate the mind.
Rebus Puzzle
This puzzle is made up of numbers, letters, symbols, and pictures. All these contain clues to the right answer. The puzzle is highly engaging, and you will need to rely on more than the contextual and implied clues in conventional word and sentence games. Though this puzzle may seem complex in the beginning, things get easier as you interact more with it.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the games you can engage in to keep your brain engaged and in perfect condition. There are numerous more available and you can choose one or two games you enjoy. Next time you think that playing chess is a waste of time, think again. Those 30 minutes of chess playing can save you a lot of pain in the future. Just remember that moderation here just like with everything else in life is important.
