Brain Train Thy Neighbors As Thyself
For Easter weekend, the weather decided it would celebrate spring, too. The sky was blue, the sun was out, the temperature called for short sleeves and putting the top down on the convertible.
It called us to take a drive in said convertible (which just happens to be an appropriate sunshine yellow)
It called to our elderly neighbors to get out of the house for a walk.
When you’re driving a sunshine-yellow convertible with the top down, any elderly neighbors who might happen to be out for a walk find you more approachable. Friendly, even.
They tend to wander over as you pull out of the drive, and strike up conversations. We don’t mind as long as we’re not in a hurry, and we weren’t, this time.
But one of our neighbors looked troubled as he talked, telling us about the headaches that had recently sent him to the VA for an MRI. “The say my brain is shrinking,” he said. “Sort of like early Alzheimer’s, I guess. They told me to stay active… “
His voice sort of trailed off.
For once, I was in the position to do something other than make sympathetic noises.
I could actually *help*! I quickly asked if he had access to a computer, then told him I’d bring over a paper on some science-backed software and training programs designed for exactly this sort of thing.
His face brightened, and it felt like I’d offered more than help. I’d offered hope.
That was a very, very good feeling.
So one of my tasks today is to put together a large print, easy to read handout on the best of the brain training options, for my friendly veteran neighbor, Ellis.
I’ll be sure to include a bright yellow graphic or two - the color of sunshine, the color of the friendly convertible, the color of hope.
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MindTweak: Ellis offered me hope, too - Hope and encouragement that this slowly developing MindTweaks project could become a very, very good thing. Thanks Ellis!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
That warmed my heart. Seriously. You rock!
Tori, I just wanted you to know that I have enjoyed reading many of your articles. I just came upon your web site via a Google while looking for “brain fitness juggling”. Interesting, eh? Anyway, I was looking at Posit Science’s site and they have a picture of someone juggling. I thought now there is an interesting idea that may have several benefits. I was thinking it requires concentration, good visual acuity, physical precision, and exercise. The best thing is that it doesn’t cost anything (old worn out tennis balls will work). I have been spending a significant amount of time researching the brain training subject (my wife would say I’m obsessed). I thought I would see if there was anything on “brain fitness and juggling”. I came across some info, but I couldn’t find anything that indicate that it would have general benefits. Not that it wouldn’t, though. I might get my Dad (84) to try it. He could use all the benefits to improve his brain sharpness. Anyway, as I said, I have enjoyed what I have read. I’ll be back. Thanks, Jim
Hi Jim, and glad you’re enjoying the site : )
You’re right on target with your ideas about juggling; there have even been a couple of studies on the subject. Here’s a link to a BBC story on a 2004 study and a post on MindHacks about a second juggling study released this year.
My brother used to make me nuts with his juggling — you’d be going through the grocery store and he’d snag oranges or potatoes from the produce aisle, and just start tossing them around. It made people smile, though… another bonus!