Mental Aerobics

Mental Aerobics

When I think of mental aerobics, I experience a sinking feeling and a thought about drudgery, and research and libraries, and writing term papers.

But wait, I am not in school anymore! I do not have to do term papers anymore.

Interesting association of mental aerobics with drudgery.

Now I am 60 years old, and graduate school is behind me by 12 years, and I am not so sure where they went, except I am married, and I have a 10 year old son, and a 4 year old daughter who expects a ration of tickling each day.

As a Boomer, moving rapidly towards a Senior classification, and one who has always enjoyed working out, and as a counselor looking for the best tools for my clients, I am now exploring a different version of mental aerobics.

Technological developments like fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) have allowed to explore inside the human brain in new and fascinating ways, and the results are providing some interesting ideas for enhancing our Boomer and Senior Brains, let alone the brains of our children, or our clients.

Ten years ago, there were discoveries made about the human brain that overturned all neuroscientific dogma in regards to the growth of new neurons. We do grow them and that growth can be encouraged.

(Want to check it out? Look up Norman Doidge,M.D., Helen Fisher,Ph.D., Simon Evans Ph.D, or Paul Burghardt,Ph.D.)

In fact, here is link to the e-book written by Evans and Burghardt called Brainfit for Life which talks about how to keep your mental aerobics rhythmic, metaphorically speaking.

Norman Doidge and Sharon Begley talk about the potential of the brain to overcome issues like stroke, and how regular practice changes brain maps, which the brain is ok doing anytime, in fact the brain is a data craving organ, and loves a stream of new experiences. It thrives on that, so if you are a musician, take up a foreign language, if you are a counselor, take up an instrument to change your brain maps.

Mental Aerobics of the Computer Kind

In fact, I believe that a combination of physical and mental aerobics is synergistic for the brain at any age.

We do not have to waste away sitting on the front porch and grousing about the neighbor kids on our yards.

In fact the Mayo Clinic and University of Southern California have just released new research about the Posit Science program, and Norman Doidge interviews Michael Merzenich about Posit Science in his book, which indicates (they say 'shows definitively') that "computerized brain exercises can improve memory and attention in older adults."

I have been using the Posit Science Brain Fitness Program since last summer, and I have been very pleasantly surprised by the experience. I noticed my short term memory and attention to task got better. That is important an easily distracted ADD brain in a noisy household with two small children.

What to see what all the excitement is about?

Two Other Computerized Programs Which Train the Brain-

Research Available Too

Evans and Burghardt discuss the research that this program adopts. Very challenging, and remember, you are after progress, not perfection. I do not even worry about the score, I do the practice because I know it works.

Last but not least is the Lumosity program which Simon Evans, Ph.D. reports that he likes. Easy to use online subscription, I keep it booted up so I can do a quick practice between phone calls or clients or kids, or cats.

Need Omega 3 from fish but Worried About Mercury?

Would You Share Something That You Are Grateful For?

When I was beginning my personal growth journey, a wise person told me that when I was feeling resentful or afraid or sad, that I should remember the phrase "gratitude is the attitude" when I was ready to feel better. That phrase has helped me feel better tens of thousands of times.

Would you share what you are most grateful for? Your story could be just what another person is searching for to renew themselves? Thanks.


Have a question and want to talk with a therapist? Call 815-316-2621 for Julie Logan, LCSW, RN. 7121 Windsor Lake Parkway, Loves Park, Illinois 61111 jlogan7264@myway.com