Zombies aren’t alone in thinking about brains – as we age, our brains start to change in ways that can make us feel less sharp. Games and puzzles can help keep your grey cells in shape.
There are many activities that we can do to maintain – and even improve – brain health as we get older. Learning, socializing, maintaining physical health, and challenging ourselves all contribute positively to brain health. Here’s an article that discusses some of these tips.
Keeping our brains healthy through lifelong learning is a big piece of Senior Planet, because no one is ever too old to learn something new! Learning and socializing happens in Senior Planet programs, but did you know Senior Planet offers brain teasers that you can do on your own time?
Crosswords
Senior Planet releases themed crossword puzzles each month that can be solved online or printed. Try out March’s “Games and Learning Apps” puzzle or go back into the archive to solve more! “Crosswords are totally immersive, but they also plug right into the world itself,” says Senior Planet’s Crossword Editor Adrienne Raphel. “In a world with lots of messy problems, the crossword gives you the satisfying experience of being able to solve something.” (Read more about Adrienne here!)
Quizzes
Want to test your knowledge on popular technology topics like AI? Check out Senior Planet’s quiz page! “Senior Planet’s quizzes are designed to be a fun and informative to learn about various topics, from mindfulness to travel-planning apps,” says Kim Zieger, Senior Curriculum Manager at Senior Planet. “Additionally, we offer class-finder quizzes to help match you to programs, based on your comfort level with tech or your interests.”
Senior Planet Community
To connect with others on the topic of brain health, join The Senior Planet Community Brain Health group! Here you can post questions, share what’s worked well for you, and read what others are thinking and doing to keep their brains sharp.
Upcoming Programs
On March 28 at 2pm ET, Senior Planet will be hosting “Boost Your Brain to Support Health and Learning” – a special event featuring Neuroscientist Dr. Lara Boyd. Dr. Boyd will share her research on the neurobiology of learning and share what we can do to maintain a healthy brain as we age.
Immediately after, join us for a new lecture on Digital Tools for Brain Health on March 28 at 3pm ET! In this program we’ll explore different digital tools that can help you keep your brain active.
YOUR TURN
What do you do to stay sharp? Sudoku? Watching Jeopardy? Online games? Share your faves and suggestions in the comments below!
Deirdre Lee serves as Director of Virtual Program Experiences for Senior Planet from AARP (formerly managing the organization’s licensing program). Based in Denver, she oversees Senior Planet’s online programs as well as the free hotline for tech or Senior Planet questions (available at 888-713-3495).
This article offered by Senior Planet and Older Adults Technology Services is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency call 911 immediately.
