Brain fitness games are not the only option for improving your mental functioning. Do you think that learning a new software program at age 74 or learning how to use a smart phone at age at age 68 might fit the category of pushing your brain to its limit? After all, not everyone plays computer games. However, lots of people, especially those over 55 love to attend lectures, audit classes, and attend music performances.

I am an active proponent of lifelong learning especially when it comes to maintaining brain health. It is all about staying involved and connected with society. That is why playing bridge is one of the wonders of growing older: the game engages your brain and you are in contact with three other people. One of the reasons bridge works so well is that its new information and the integration of new information with what you already know that makes the difference. In bridge, and I am a new player, there is always something to learn.

Playing board games such as Scrabble or Monopoly with friends or working on cross word puzzles will probably get you the same results. The fact is learning stimulates your brain which helps you feel better about yourself. Keep in mind however, that it does take you away from playing with your grandchildren or hiking in a state park.

Even as more studies report on the benefits of brain fitness games there is some debate about how effective all of this is. I suspect most of the confusion comes from the hype in the marketing claims for this or that product. People still search for the magic pill and brain fitness is not it. In the meantime, increase your brain fitness activities on a daily basis. It will not hurt and it may help quite a bit.

To your aging success.

Ruthan Brodsky

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