Can stimulating one's brain actually hold off the aging
process? All signs point to yes.
Experiment on Aging
An experiment was started in 1999 to study a group of
individuals that resided in a retirement community. As residents passed away or moved, the new
residents that occupied their apartments were followed in their place, over a
term of years. The study concluded in
2015. With the results in, it was very
obvious that stimulating the brain keeps it active and alert. Half of the residents were given brain
exercise to complete on a daily basis; the remaining residents did only what
they chose to do. The activities provided were puzzles, word jumbles, and brain
exercises of various means. In addition,
the residents were to do 30 minutes of physical exercise per day. The residents were not put on any dietary
restrictions, they ate as they wanted. They devoted 2 full hours each day to brain activities as part of the
study.
The Results are in
Overall, the group that was not participating in brain
stimulation or activities scored 48% on cognitive functions. The group that was participating in the brain
stimulation scored 79% on cognitive functions almost double those that did not
participate in brain activities. The
residents that participated were asked what their diets were like, and the
typical diet consisted of coffee, actually lots of coffee, cereal, eggs,
vegetables, proteins, breads, and sugars. The diets were not restrictive, in fact, some incorporated too much
sugar and fat. The only difference was
the brain stimulation.
Interviews with the residents were very revealing, it
was simple to see that a portion of the group was still very physically active
as well as mentally. The physically
active residents were very alert and enjoyed being social, essentially getting
out and doing physical activities more often. While the stimulation of the brain improved brain function on 50% of the
residents, the residents that were more socially and physically active beyond
the experiment requirements, had better physical health, including better blood
pressures and overall better lab results.
The resident’s ages ranged from 72-98 years of
age. One participant that was 97 years
old still participates in a daily exercise classes, does swimming, aerobics,
and rides an exercise bike 5 times a week. She is a very alert lady, does the crossword puzzle daily from her
newspaper.
The overall study was conclusive; brain stimulation can
work to keep the mind alert and active, which in turn results in a more
complete life in later years. Residents
that can live and function alone are happier than residents that require daily
assistance for everyday tasks.
Assisted living facilities are more popular than ever
before, just as people are living longer than ever before. With the aging population growing each year,
the population over 65 will need housing that offers support or care, depending
on needs. Most retirement facilities
offer a multitude of activities and outings for the residents, they simply sign
up and they are then added to a list for a particular outing. Staff accompanies all groups when going out,
so it’s always an eventful, yet safe trip. It’s a great idea to have seniors living in active assisted living
facilities, it appears they do very well when they keep active into their golden
years.
If you have a patient admitted that is older, make
suggestions of activities that can stimulate the mind and keep the brain
active. Crossword puzzles, brain
teasers, hobbies such as crocheting or quilting, and even watching and playing
along with game slows on TV.
Currently Florida is the state that has the most
retirement or assisted living facilities. The warm weather and active lifestyles regardless of age, has contributed
to a large population of men and women over the age of 75.
The study in general may serve as a reminder that if
you have a patient that would be considered a senior citizen, it does not mean
they have given up on life. Their mental
attitude dictates much of the success in the lifestyle, staying alert, and
active. Apparently, there is some truth
to the old saying, “use it or lose it”.
Related: Distinguished
Registered Nurse, Angela Nugent, RN, will be Featured in the Worldwide Leaders
in Healthcare
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