Page 220 - Mind Games The Aging Brain and How to Keep it Healthy

204 • Chapter 6

In the next chapter, we are going to provide you with
many, many games and activities to promote a strong, ac-
tive, efficient mind and memory. Keep in mind, however,
that as you learn something and become comfortable with
that idea or technique, you need to move on into unex-
plored territory. Recall Figure 4-1, where a PET scan demon-
strated the different areas of the brain that are activated for
a verbal skill when it is new and when it is practiced. You
need to keep trying new things. If you like to work jigsaw
puzzles and you are very fast at it, move on up to 3D puz-
zles. If you have found great success with rehearsal strate-
gies, begin to include listmaking or visualization strategies.

Photo courtesy of Henry Ortega

Older and Wiser

Helen and Gene McLane, married for almost 50 years, still love
to play games together. Jigsaw puzzles, 3-D puzzles, and
crossword puzzles are some of their favorite activities. They have
also been know to race each other for the best times and scores on
their new computer. They are two of the most physically and
mentally active people we know..