|
|
|
PITTSBURG —
The average weight of the adult brain is three pounds, approximately the size of a medium head of cauliflower. But it is not the size or weight of the brain that determines its amazing capabilities. The complexity of the human brain surpasses the most sophisticated computer because of the billions of neurons and the trillions of synapses forming connections between those neurons.
Eighty to ninety percent of the physical growth of the human brain takes place by the age of three years. The brain size continues to grow up into the twenties.
Research shows that there are many ways to keep those brain cells active and new connections forming. People who engage in intellectually stimulating activities can sharpen their mental acuity and maintain it well into old age.
Learning a new skill as you age keeps the brain challenged as it forms new connections. Reading, creating, traveling, playing word games and other mentally challenging activities throughout your life time is beneficial in keeping your brain active and alert.
Physical activity is important for all ages. Young children should receive at least 60 minutes of active physical play each day. As adults we tend to lose our enthusiasm to play and be active. Moderately intense physical activity is recommended for adults for not less than 150 minutes per week, which averages about 30 minutes five days out of the week.
As adults we tend to lead a sedentary lifestyle. For every hour you set, get up and move.
Get up and walk around the room, stretch, and take a mental brain break.
The brain requires more oxygen than any other organ in the body. The brain uses about 25 percent of all the oxygen taken in by the lungs. Regular physical activity provides the supply of oxygen-laden blood the brain needs.
Like all living things the brain needs to be feed and watered. Eating a well balanced diet and drinking plenty of fluids to keep the brain hydrated is important to keep the brain cells healthy and functioning well.
With all that activity going on, the brain needs a rest as well. Sleep is important. Going to bed at a regular time and getting adequate sleep is important. Go easy on the amount of food eaten after dinner and avoid alcohol and caffeine before going to bed.
Your emotional well-being is another factor which has been identified as a reason people maintain mental sharpness. Having a strong sense of purpose and meaning in life seems to be a characteristic of individuals who thrive in later years.
Keep a positive attitude and add humor to your life. Some experts say laughing is like jogging on the inside.
Just as physical activity keeps your muscles strong, mental activity keeps the mind agile. Regardless of age, an active brain can produce new neurons and connections that aid you in maintaining your brain.
The average weight of the adult brain is three pounds, approximately the size of a medium head of cauliflower. But it is not the size or weight of the brain that determines its amazing capabilities. The complexity of the human brain surpasses the most sophisticated computer because of the billions of neurons and the trillions of synapses forming connections between those neurons.
Eighty to ninety percent of the physical growth of the human brain takes place by the age of three years. The brain size continues to grow up into the twenties.
Research shows that there are many ways to keep those brain cells active and new connections forming. People who engage in intellectually stimulating activities can sharpen their mental acuity and maintain it well into old age.
Learning a new skill as you age keeps the brain challenged as it forms new connections. Reading, creating, traveling, playing word games and other mentally challenging activities throughout your life time is beneficial in keeping your brain active and alert.
Physical activity is important for all ages. Young children should receive at least 60 minutes of active physical play each day. As adults we tend to lose our enthusiasm to play and be active. Moderately intense physical activity is recommended for adults for not less than 150 minutes per week, which averages about 30 minutes five days out of the week.
As adults we tend to lead a sedentary lifestyle. For every hour you set, get up and move.
Get up and walk around the room, stretch, and take a mental brain break.
The brain requires more oxygen than any other organ in the body. The brain uses about 25 percent of all the oxygen taken in by the lungs. Regular physical activity provides the supply of oxygen-laden blood the brain needs.
Like all living things the brain needs to be feed and watered. Eating a well balanced diet and drinking plenty of fluids to keep the brain hydrated is important to keep the brain cells healthy and functioning well.
With all that activity going on, the brain needs a rest as well. Sleep is important. Going to bed at a regular time and getting adequate sleep is important. Go easy on the amount of food eaten after dinner and avoid alcohol and caffeine before going to bed.
Your emotional well-being is another factor which has been identified as a reason people maintain mental sharpness. Having a strong sense of purpose and meaning in life seems to be a characteristic of individuals who thrive in later years.
Keep a positive attitude and add humor to your life. Some experts say laughing is like jogging on the inside.
Just as physical activity keeps your muscles strong, mental activity keeps the mind agile. Regardless of age, an active brain can produce new neurons and connections that aid you in maintaining your brain.
