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Mentor

Brain Health: Keeping your brain active

Posted by John, Volunteer Mentor @johnbishop, Jul 30, 2020

One of the things I really admired about my wife's mother was her humor and her really sharp wit even at the age of 90+. She lived with us for the last 7 or 8 years while she was alive. It was no secret how she kept her mental sharpness – she loved crossword puzzles and worked on various puzzles during the day. Crossword puzzles could be found laying around the house that she had started but not finished. Woe be to you if you penciled in any answers in one of her crossword puzzles. I occasionally like doing puzzles but they are not on my regular diet. My wife, much like her mother, loves doing crossword puzzles.

I recently ran across a free online lesson on How to Promote Brain Health from McMaster Optimal Aging Portal – How to Promote Brain Health: https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/e-learning/how-to-promote-brain-health — Discover six ways you can promote brain health and reduce your risk of developing dementia.

What do you do to keep your brain healthy and active?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

lakeside1999 | @lakeside1999 | May 13, 2023

Good for you! I also act with a community theater company, but gave it up during the pandemic. Now, three years later, I'm hoping to get back to it, although I worry about being in crowds. I miss the interaction with fellow actors. I think being with other people is one of the best ways to keep your brain active. Too much solitude isn't healthy.

REPLY
pollysparrow | @pollysparrow | May 13, 2023
In reply to @SusanEllen66 "@lakeside1999 I salute for your writing skills. I’m a terrible writer, and have had a reading..." + (show)
@SusanEllen66

@lakeside1999 I salute for your writing skills. I’m a terrible writer, and have had a reading problem since childhood.
Three years ago I started to paint with acrylic paints on canvas. I had never tried that before I believe, because I was too busy taking care of my family. Now I’m single, live alone, and can do whatever I want.
Art has become my happy spot. It keeps me alive!
I’ve also just started doing jigsaw puzzles. I’m 73 years old and I am excited to sit in front of the puzzle each morning for a few minutes. I even bought a puzzle table that is portable, and tilts so you can see the puzzle better.
A 1000 piece puzzle is a challenge for me, but I don’t give up.
I borrow the puzzles from my library. Free is good!

The biggest brain builder for me though is building my family tree on Ancestry! If you want to combine your talents into one activity a family tree is the way to go!

Two years ago I was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment. I’m doing well…

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Sounds like you are doing wonderful love your comments I was diagnosed with oncoming Parkinson foghting itall the way I am 78 now still trying the best a person can outdoor chores reading giving away thigs I do not need and wear anymore to people in need I am a writer am working on my book biography have written some articles for the newpaper etc lot of my family were jounalists I am originaly from Fairbanks Alaska have had siberina huskies all my life til I lost my last one sept 9 2022 Its a writing legacy end for me for 71 years so I am busy compiling it best I can trying to leave dandilons up and etc for the bees they are deminising we need them and downsizing and cleaning and trying to keep my mind active thank for you reply take care now

REPLY
pollysparrow | @pollysparrow | May 14, 2023
In reply to @SusanEllen66 "@lakeside1999 I salute for your writing skills. I’m a terrible writer, and have had a reading..." + (show)
@SusanEllen66

@lakeside1999 I salute for your writing skills. I’m a terrible writer, and have had a reading problem since childhood.
Three years ago I started to paint with acrylic paints on canvas. I had never tried that before I believe, because I was too busy taking care of my family. Now I’m single, live alone, and can do whatever I want.
Art has become my happy spot. It keeps me alive!
I’ve also just started doing jigsaw puzzles. I’m 73 years old and I am excited to sit in front of the puzzle each morning for a few minutes. I even bought a puzzle table that is portable, and tilts so you can see the puzzle better.
A 1000 piece puzzle is a challenge for me, but I don’t give up.
I borrow the puzzles from my library. Free is good!

The biggest brain builder for me though is building my family tree on Ancestry! If you want to combine your talents into one activity a family tree is the way to go!

Two years ago I was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment. I’m doing well…

Jump to this post

KeEp doing what you doing to me it sounds wonderful we have to keep strong and above it all Have a good Mothers DAY

REPLY
pollysparrow | @pollysparrow | May 14, 2023
In reply to @SusanEllen66 "@lakeside1999 I salute for your writing skills. I’m a terrible writer, and have had a reading..." + (show)
@SusanEllen66

@lakeside1999 I salute for your writing skills. I’m a terrible writer, and have had a reading problem since childhood.
Three years ago I started to paint with acrylic paints on canvas. I had never tried that before I believe, because I was too busy taking care of my family. Now I’m single, live alone, and can do whatever I want.
Art has become my happy spot. It keeps me alive!
I’ve also just started doing jigsaw puzzles. I’m 73 years old and I am excited to sit in front of the puzzle each morning for a few minutes. I even bought a puzzle table that is portable, and tilts so you can see the puzzle better.
A 1000 piece puzzle is a challenge for me, but I don’t give up.
I borrow the puzzles from my library. Free is good!

The biggest brain builder for me though is building my family tree on Ancestry! If you want to combine your talents into one activity a family tree is the way to go!

Two years ago I was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment. I’m doing well…

Jump to this post

Long day going slow doing a bit of outside cleanup tp keep my mind going and active fairly nice out just stuck around home for the day did not feel that well to be doing much just trying also to keep my mind going and being raised in Fairbanks Alaska I still get the magazine to see all new things and updates and reading a lot, and trying to get in the frame of mind to be working on my book takes a long time to gather all thoughts of your life from the start getting there slowly. take care now keep positive always like you are

REPLY
marybeths | @marybeths | Jun 23 2:57am
In reply to @queenmother56 "Thank you! My interest in brain health has always been active and I do a lot..." + (show)
@queenmother56

Thank you!
My interest in brain health has always been active and I do a lot of reading on the subject.
But my youngest daughter (who lived with me age 58) passed away April 6th from a Glioblastoma Multiforme
brain tumor stage 4. It was too late when it was discovered even though she had surgery, radiation and chemo. So I am in deep grief but will keep following up on the research and comments so maybe I can help someone else discover it in time to save a life.

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You are a kind person to try and help others who are struggling with loss, sadness, and grief.
My husband is slipping away after 2 plus years of glioblastoma. I am touched by your story, and believe that you will help others just by sharing.

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thisismarilynb | @thisismarilynb | Jun 23 9:43am

I am 90 years old, nudging 91. Crossword puzzles are also my things. I watch very little TV. I am a frequent "guest" at our local library and try to read a variety of genres. I keep up with the local news, depressing as that is. It is vital to be informed. When I do watch TV I usually go for shows that will inform and teach me something. I am careful about what and how much I eat. Back in 1965 I had to have major abdominal surgery. I remember very well my doctor telling me "Everything starts in the gut." I have used that "mantra" ever since. Unhappily my husband died almost four years ago after a 62 year relationship. I am finding that very hard, but I am still here and still independent. I continue to live in our house and take care of myself, because I can. I am also a big fan of use it or lose it. At the age of 87 I had to have a complete hip replacement. I wore it out racewalking. Keeping fit also keeps your brain fit. Everything is a choice. You can sit around and eat and drink whatever you want and get fat, or you can choose to be a healthy person. No one makes you do anything. It is a personal choice.

REPLY
1 reply
pml | @pml | Jun 24 7:29pm
In reply to @thisismarilynb "I am 90 years old, nudging 91. Crossword puzzles are also my things. I watch very..." + (show)
@thisismarilynb

I am 90 years old, nudging 91. Crossword puzzles are also my things. I watch very little TV. I am a frequent "guest" at our local library and try to read a variety of genres. I keep up with the local news, depressing as that is. It is vital to be informed. When I do watch TV I usually go for shows that will inform and teach me something. I am careful about what and how much I eat. Back in 1965 I had to have major abdominal surgery. I remember very well my doctor telling me "Everything starts in the gut." I have used that "mantra" ever since. Unhappily my husband died almost four years ago after a 62 year relationship. I am finding that very hard, but I am still here and still independent. I continue to live in our house and take care of myself, because I can. I am also a big fan of use it or lose it. At the age of 87 I had to have a complete hip replacement. I wore it out racewalking. Keeping fit also keeps your brain fit. Everything is a choice. You can sit around and eat and drink whatever you want and get fat, or you can choose to be a healthy person. No one makes you do anything. It is a personal choice.

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Hi Marilyn,
I always enjoy your comments! You make a lot of sense. I don't do crossword puzzles but I do jigsaw puzzles. Like you, I don't watch TV but do like reading. I'm sorry about your husband dying. Having been married 62 years I know that's hard for you to deal with. My husband died a year ago in July after 30 years of marriage. I'm also still in our home and taking care of it and doing all the gardening, repairs, taking the garbage out etc. I'm only 79 but am healthy and intend to stay that way. At almost 91, you are an inspiration to me! I hope I can be as active and alert and interesting as you are when I'm 91!
PML

REPLY
margotcc | @margotcc | 2 days ago

I like to keep my brain health in good shape also.
Pretty much know how, there is a lot of info out there. So have, and still do, a lot of things that are good for me, like water aerobics, eating my fruit and veggies, doing puzzles, etc.
My problem right now is motivation. Feeling a bit low, was recently diagnosed with PsA, and politics don’t exactly help.
But still make myself go to the piano and practice, socialize even though I really don’t feel like it, going to church because it’s good for me…., , texting with the kids while thinking they are too busy to really care …
I do know that I am blessed in many ways, so am trying to go to my gratitude list - that’s helping some.
And I do know many others have much more difficult problems. I’m 84, drive, have good health insurance, no financial problems….
Gosh, just writing this is lifting my mood.

It’s the Fourth of July, will have a fattening hamburger for dinner! May even have a glass of wine.
So… life is not so bad. Appreciate all of you. May the Fourth be with you! Smiling.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Miriam, Volunteer Mentor | @mir123 | 2 days ago
In reply to @margotcc "I like to keep my brain health in good shape also. Pretty much know how, there..." + (show)
@margotcc

I like to keep my brain health in good shape also.
Pretty much know how, there is a lot of info out there. So have, and still do, a lot of things that are good for me, like water aerobics, eating my fruit and veggies, doing puzzles, etc.
My problem right now is motivation. Feeling a bit low, was recently diagnosed with PsA, and politics don’t exactly help.
But still make myself go to the piano and practice, socialize even though I really don’t feel like it, going to church because it’s good for me…., , texting with the kids while thinking they are too busy to really care …
I do know that I am blessed in many ways, so am trying to go to my gratitude list - that’s helping some.
And I do know many others have much more difficult problems. I’m 84, drive, have good health insurance, no financial problems….
Gosh, just writing this is lifting my mood.

It’s the Fourth of July, will have a fattening hamburger for dinner! May even have a glass of wine.
So… life is not so bad. Appreciate all of you. May the Fourth be with you! Smiling.

Jump to this post

I was touched by your comment and I really enjoyed how the mood improved as you went on. You ended up counting blessings, but not in a sentimental way. Feels real. Anyway, I enjoyed it and also like the suggestion of a hamburger!

REPLY
sillyblone | @sillyblone | 1 day ago

Thanks for your comments! I feel the same way! Enjoy moments. Better for your mood!!

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