Populations in developed countries are steadily growing older. There are now more people over the age of 60 living in the United States than there are people under the age of thirty. Of course, an ever increasing aged population holds many challenges. Social services and the health sector, for example, are increasingly placed under pressure. But the elderly need not be dependent and hopeless. They can still live full lives. With cognitive exercises for seniors they can, in fact, still make significant contributions.

Most older people dread the possibility of contracted conditions that have a severe effect on their cognition abilities. Parkinson disease and Alzheimer, for example, eventually render sufferers totally hopeless and dependent upon others, unable to make decisions or often to even think rationally. These diseases have many causes, but there is much that can be done to prevent.

Experts agree that all older people should exercise regularly. Low impact exercises such as swimming, hiking or cycling that increase overall flexibility and muscle strength are strongly advised. One may think that exercising has nothing to to with stimulating the brain, but exercise does release serotonin in the brain. This makes the individual feel positive and motivated. Exercise also provide energy, improves the blood flow and lower the risk of other conditions developing.

Therapists and social workers agree that one of the best ways in which to ward off the onset of brain degeneration diseases is to keep the brain active. Activities such as bridge and scrabble, for example, requires quick thinking and a good memory. Crossword puzzles are excellent for stimulating the brain. So are games like soduko and all of these activities are not only enjoyable, but also highly social.

Old people that see themselves as victims or as helpless are more likely to develop degenerative brain conditions than those that reach out to others. By helping others, one often help oneself tenfold. The satisfaction and energy that goes into enthusiastic charity work is wholesome and healing. Many people that do not have the money to help others still offer their time and their skills.

Many older people stimulate their brains by embarking on entirely new careers after retiring. Some of them enrol in formal study programs, others write and yet others embark upon intellectual pursuits such as consulting, offering tutoring to students and even running small businesses. All these activities stimulate the brain and have the added benefit of making the individual concerned feel useful and productive.

Of course, regular medical checks are extremely important too. Older people should not wait until they experience a specific problem before seeing a doctor. It is important to undergo a complete check up at least once a year, even twice. Patients should insist that their physician check for signs of any condition causing degeneration of the brain function. The earlier such problems are identified, the more successful treatment will be.

Growing old does not automatically imply frailty, dependence upon others and feebleness. It is important, however, to keep the brain active and stimulated. There is indeed much that older people can do to achieve this.