Brain Fitness

There are trends that come and go; however, this one is here to stay…Brain Fitness.

There are many ways to improve our cognition by incorporating dual tasking – training the brain and body at the same time. It combines movement with a mental task to challenge balance, coordination, attention and cognition. For example – walking and talking, standing on one leg while counting backwards, stepping in different directions when calling out cues such as a number on a clock, a color on a box to tap on while the position of the color changes, all while remaining upright. The options can be endless.

There are also studies of the brain that have shown that listening to music you enjoy can cause a release of dopamine, a chemical that increases feelings of happiness, according to Sarah Lenz Lock, AARP Senior VP of Policy and Brain Health. “I’ve never taken for granted the impact music has had on my creativity, whether I am exercising, writing or relaxing. My favorite tunes are a part of my soul.” Even prior to the research being released, music aided in recollecting significant moments in their past and improved mobility, balance and helped with neurologic conditions. A study published in Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation in 2018 states stroke survivors who participated in a twice-weekly dance class for 10 weeks had better balance. What could be better?

Senior or not, whether having someone practice dual tasking or listening to the creative team of Lerner and Lowe, Rodgers and Hammerstein, or Latin rhythms…they all help our brain.

I dedicate this page to those whose loved ones may be experiencing chronic conditions and other challenges associated with cognitive impairment. Get ready to move while singing a few bars…
Songs of hope and happiness:
“Don’t Stop” – Fleetwood Mac, “The River of Dreams” – Billy Joel, “Coming Out of the Dark” – Gloria Estefan, “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina and the Waves, “What the World Needs Now” – Dionne Warwick or “I Saw the Light” – Hank Williams.
Which songs come to your mind?

Check out this video for a fun way to train your brain.