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Copywriting丨Popular Science Nursing Workshop
Editor丨Popular Science Nursing Workshop
Recently, an eye-catching study revealed that older adults who regularly participate in intellectual games such as mahjong and chess have a significantly lower risk of cognitive impairment. This discovery has undoubtedly cast a layer of mystery over the daily entertainment activities of many retired seniors. What the hell is going on?
For a long time, it was widely believed that you should exercise more and learn more new things after retirement to keep your brain active. But in real life, many elderly people are keen on traditional games such as mahjong and chess. They get together, you come and go, and they are immersed in it and have fun. This phenomenon was once seen by some as a sign of idleness and a waste of time. The latest findings offer a very different interpretation.
Professor Wang Huali, chairman of the Cognitive Impairment Committee of the Chinese Geriatrics Society, said: "Mental games such as mahjong and chess can indeed delay the decline of cognitive function to a certain extent, and even prevent the occurrence of cognitive impairment. This type of activity stimulates the brain and enhances cognitive reserves, which is beneficial for the brain health of the elderly. "
Professor Wang explained that mahjong and board games involve complex rules and strategies, which require players to maintain a high level of attention and constantly make logical reasoning and decisions. This process activates several areas of the brain, including those responsible for memory, calculation, and judgment. Long-term participation in such activities can effectively exercise these brain regions and maintain the activity of neurons, thereby delaying the degeneration of brain function.
Not only that, but these games also have a social aspect. Older people interact with others in games to help alleviate loneliness and maintain a good psychological state. Mental health is closely related to cognitive function, and maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset can also help prevent cognitive impairment.
This does not mean that the elderly can indulge in mahjong or chess without moderation. "Moderate engagement is key. 1-2 hours of mind play activities per day is reasonable. Don't neglect other types of mental activity and physical activity either. "
In addition to mahjong and chess, what other activities can help prevent cognitive impairment in the elderly? The experts gave the following recommendations:
1. Learn new skills: such as learning a foreign language, playing a musical instrument, or drawing. This stimulates the brain to form new neural connections and enhance cognitive reserves.
2. Reading: Whether it's a novel, a newspaper, or a magazine, reading keeps the brain active. In particular, materials that are more difficult to read can be more effective in exercising the brain.
3. Sudoku, Crossword Puzzles: This kind of puzzle game can train logical thinking and concentration, and is a good mental exercise.
4. Gardening: Taking care of plants not only makes you feel good, but it also exercises your memory and planning skills.
5. Social activities: Gathering with friends, participating in community activities, etc., can stimulate the brain and prevent cognitive deterioration.
6. Physical exercise: Moderate aerobic exercise can promote blood circulation in the brain and benefit neuronal health.
Prevention of cognitive impairment cannot be achieved by a single activity. Professor Wang suggested: "The elderly should take comprehensive lifestyle interventions, including reasonable diet, regular work and rest, and control of chronic diseases. Only a multi-pronged approach can minimize the risk of disease. "
Speaking of diet, recent studies have found that following the Eastern Mediterranean dietary pattern may help prevent cognitive impairment. This diet is based on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and olive oil, with moderate consumption of fish and poultry and a small amount of red meat. This diet is rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for brain health.
Getting enough sleep is also crucial. During sleep, the brain removes metabolic waste products and consolidates memories. Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of cognitive impairment. Experts recommend that older people get 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night.
For older adults who already have chronic conditions, it is equally important to manage the disease. Chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia are all risk factors for cognitive impairment. Active control of these conditions can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive impairment.
Returning to the topic of mahjong and chess, while the results of the study are encouraging, experts caution against treating it as a "panacea" for preventing cognitive impairment. "No single activity can completely prevent cognitive impairment. The key is to develop an active and healthy lifestyle and keep your brain active. "
With the publication of the results of this study, there has been a subtle change in the mindset of some older adults. In the past, they may have a little "weak heart" when playing mahjong and worry about being gossiped about. Now, they are justified and will half-jokingly say, "I'm exercising my brain to prevent Alzheimer's!"
There are also some older people who are cautious about this. 78-year-old Uncle Li said: "I heard that playing mahjong can prevent cognitive impairment, and I think it's quite new. But I think everything has to be done in a certain way. I now play mahjong with my old guys two or three times a week for no more than two hours at a time. The rest of the time, I just read a book and take a walk, and I feel good about it. "
Uncle Li's approach has been recognized by experts. Professor Wang said, "The lives of the elderly should be rich and colorful. Moderate participation in intellectual games such as mahjong, chess and cards is indeed beneficial, but it is also important to pay attention to balance. Seniors are encouraged to try different types of activities to find a healthy lifestyle that suits them. "
With the development of science and technology, some apps and mini programs specifically for cognitive function training for the elderly have gradually emerged. These digital tools help seniors improve their memory, concentration, and executive function through fun game design. Although the long-term effects of these emerging tools have yet to be further validated, they undoubtedly provide new options for cognitive function care for the elderly.
The support and understanding of family members are also particularly important on the road to preventing cognitive impairment. Children should respect the interests of older persons and encourage them to actively participate in beneficial activities. It is also necessary to pay proper attention to the living conditions of the elderly, and detect possible signs of cognitive deterioration in time.
Early detection and intervention are essential for the prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment. If it is found that the elderly have symptoms such as significant memory loss, difficulty in language expression, and impaired judgment, they should seek medical attention in time. At present, although cognitive impairment cannot be completely cured, early intervention can effectively delay the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life.
The prevention of cognitive impairment is a systematic project, which needs to be approached from many aspects. The positive role of intellectual games such as mahjong and chess is worth affirming, but it should not be overly relied upon.
Older people should pay attention to a balanced diet, moderate exercise, regular work and rest, and actively manage chronic diseases while maintaining intellectual activity. Only a comprehensive lifestyle intervention can minimize the risk of cognitive impairment and enjoy a healthy and happy old age.
As Professor Wang said, "A healthy life in old age is not only about being free of diseases, but also about maintaining an independent life and a good quality of life." Efforts to prevent cognitive impairment are aimed at this goal. We want every senior to find their own interests in maintaining cognitive function and live a fulfilling and meaningful life. "
With the deepening of the aging population, the prevention of cognitive impairment will become an increasingly important public health issue. It is believed that with the unremitting efforts of scientific researchers, we will have a deeper understanding of the prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment. For the average elderly, maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude and adhering to a healthy lifestyle may be the best "good prescription".
Whether it's playing mahjong, chess, learning new skills, or exercising, as long as you can keep your brain active, it's a good thing to try. The important thing is to find what works for you and be consistent. After all, a healthy brain is the cornerstone of a happy old age, and a full and interesting life is the best footnote to this happiness.
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