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Healthy Minds Overview
► Alzheimer's Disease
► Crossword Puzzles
► Depression
► Lifelong Learning
► Mental Agility Games
A
healthy mind is as important as a healthy body.
Many
older adults worry about losing their mental abilities
and getting Alzheimer’s
disease. And these fears are understandable.
The loss of mental abilities and Alzheimer’s disease
can mean the loss of independence.
However,
we may not be so quick to worry about being sad or depressed.
Being sad or depressed over a period of
time is NOT a normal part of aging.
It can have serious consequences.
Nevertheless,
one reassuring fact remains: Alzheimer’s disease,
depression and loss of mental abilities are not part
of normal aging. Most
older people maintain a good portion of their
independence and mental sharpness.
Depression is preventable and treatable.
“You
can keep your mind sharp!
Some “healthy agers” have identified using mental
games and exercises, or just staying engaged in
regular conversation.
You can also:
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Read
a book. |
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Keep
up with current events. |
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Join
a book or discussion club. |
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Do
crossword puzzles and word games. |
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Play
scrabble, cards, or pinochle with someone
else. |
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Become
a volunteer in the community. |
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Take
a class at the local community college or
university (often these are free after you
reach a certain age). |
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Start
a new hobby. |
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Become
physically active.” |
The aging mind is a flexible and useful mind. Fears of mental loss as we age
are often exaggerated by both the young and the old. In spite of some age-related reductions in mental abilities,
a large majority of older adults keep more than enough mental abilities to have a meaningful and satisfying life, and to maintain their independence.
Lifelong learning in Arkansas
Go back to school! Arkansas lets people over the age of 60 years to take classes at any state-supported college, university or vocational-technical school.
Arkansas Code of 1987 annotated, 1989 Supp. 6-60-Z04; 6-15-208. Waives all general student fees at any state-supported institution of higher learning for courses organized to grant credit, and at any state area vocational-technical school, to persons 60 years or older on a space-available basis.
Lifelong Learning Resources
Arkansas
State University
Henderson
State University
Southern
Arkansas University
Crossword
puzzles
Free
crossword puzzles available daily from BestCrosswords.com.
USA
Today’s daily crossword puzzle.
http://puzzles.usatoday.com/
A website for even more
crossword puzzles.
http://www.crossword-puzzles.co.uk/
Ageless mental agility games
Free!
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