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The Newspaper:
Your Mental And Memory Friend As You Age
By
Lynn Serper |
Often, we take for granted that our brain will function
well each day. In truth, although we have developed
knowledge and skills throughout our lives, the memory bank,
those areas of the brain that preserve what we learn, needs
constant cognitive ‘deposits.’ Unless daily living includes
purpose and experiences, as we age, the thinking brain will
lose efficiency. Without ongoing practice and stimulus, I’m
sorry to tell you (and me) that the brain will progress
toward sluggishness.
Within the last 10 years, brain research has uncovered a lot
of exciting news. It is the type of news that affects our
view of being alive: how to care for our body and how to
take care of our brain. Studies have now informed us that
the years of certainty, that the brain is a static blob,
have been overturned. Not only is the brain dynamic, but
also it’s up to each and every one of us to provide the
cognitive nourishment that stimulates brain cell activity.
Although education is highly recognized for the development
of the young growing brain, the realization that the
developing brain continues right into the last breath of
life, broadens the role of learning. With the new
understanding that the brain can rewire itself into old age
and can even enhance brain cell development in some areas of
the brain, activities of daily living need to be expanded.
This expansion of learning does not necessarily require a
classroom, although senior centers, town adult classes or
college programs are excellent options. One example of
cognitive exercise can become part of everyday life and like
brushing your teeth, can be done each day. It require
nothing more than a newspaper or magazine.
Using the newspaper or a magazine will provide information
that will help you refill your memory banks as well as help
you maintain an awareness of what’s going on in your
environment. In addition, using these informational products
will contribute to the knowledge you need for social and
work (even volunteer) interactions.
To make use of the newspaper, review the front-page
headlines (news, sports or arts etc.). Then write a list of
the topics of that day on a separate piece of paper. Look
over the list and attempt to memorize one or more items from
the list. Turn the list over and think about the events you
wrote. If you only remember one or two, look over the list
again, turn it over and see how many you can add to the
list. Then fold the paper and put it in your pocket or
pocketbook. If you look it over throughout the day, you will
be prepared for any newsy conversation and your memory will
expand. The newspaper can be your daily mental and memory
friend. |
About The Author
Lynn Lazarus Serper, EdD, is president of Brain
Enhancement Services, Inc., and founder of The Serper
Method™, a nationally recognized workbook program for brain
enrichment. Dr. Serper is also the author of Brainstorming:
The Serper Method of Brain Recovery, Regrowth, and Vitality
found on Amazon or on her website. She can be reached by
email at lynnserper@serpermethod.com, by telephone at (800)
240-3778.
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