Unlike computers that store information indefinitely, brains are more like muscles that need to be exercised. Research has indicated that these exercises improve cognitive abilities and reduce the risk of decline. This is probably why brain exercise games for adults have become so popular.
Many people do the free exercises that are found online and there are so many of these available that they can keep one busy for some time. However, it makes sense that programs designed by scientists who understand how the brain works will obviously be most beneficial. Free trial periods are offered in some cases to give individuals a chance to experience the program before having to start paying.
The best type of workout is not just fun but functional. The level is important and has to suit the cognitive abilities of the individual. If a game is too easy, it becomes boring. If it is too difficult, it can be discouraging to try and play it. This is why with certain programs, customization is possible. The individual answers certain questions about memory, attention span, speed, flexibility and problem solving. Their answers are then used to shape an individual program suited to their specific requirements.
Logic, language, perception, problem solving and memory are some of the areas tested when playing these games. Each game is designed to test a specific area. Some individuals may find they need more training in one area than another. For example, they may be strong in problem solving but weak in language skills or good at memory exercises but find ones testing logic difficult.
The benefit of this type of training is that it can be done at any time in the day and in any place. It is easy to fit this in, even for people with a very busy lifestyle. Training must be done strictly and regularly in order to have any real impact. Many people choose to do them every day and spend about 15 minutes on a session. Random, irregular attempts at training are extremely unlikely to have any real benefit.
One of the best aspects of these apps is the instant feedback on performance. Progress is reviewed at the end of a session. Statistics are available showing factors such as reaction time, total missed or correct and improvement on the previous score. This can be a great incentive for improvement. Progress reports may be given in the form of a graph showing the different areas and progress in each of them. Percentages may compare skills to other users of the same age.
As a certain time span is allowed for a game, intense focus and concentration is necessary. This mental effort is shown to have a positive effect on attention span, short term memory and more. This is especially important for older retired adults. They are no longer faced with many of the intellectual challenges faced by younger people and therefore they need to engage their brains in complex ways to keep their minds sharp in the second half of life. However, not only those who are aging benefit and anyone can improve their capacity.
There are some researchers who are attempting to prove that such exercises actually have no real benefit. However, there are many individuals who testify to the benefit they have experienced from doing these training exercises. They love being able to track their progress and actually see how they are improving. All it takes is 15 minutes a day and they enjoy the challenge while benefiting at the same time.
Many people do the free exercises that are found online and there are so many of these available that they can keep one busy for some time. However, it makes sense that programs designed by scientists who understand how the brain works will obviously be most beneficial. Free trial periods are offered in some cases to give individuals a chance to experience the program before having to start paying.
The best type of workout is not just fun but functional. The level is important and has to suit the cognitive abilities of the individual. If a game is too easy, it becomes boring. If it is too difficult, it can be discouraging to try and play it. This is why with certain programs, customization is possible. The individual answers certain questions about memory, attention span, speed, flexibility and problem solving. Their answers are then used to shape an individual program suited to their specific requirements.
Logic, language, perception, problem solving and memory are some of the areas tested when playing these games. Each game is designed to test a specific area. Some individuals may find they need more training in one area than another. For example, they may be strong in problem solving but weak in language skills or good at memory exercises but find ones testing logic difficult.
The benefit of this type of training is that it can be done at any time in the day and in any place. It is easy to fit this in, even for people with a very busy lifestyle. Training must be done strictly and regularly in order to have any real impact. Many people choose to do them every day and spend about 15 minutes on a session. Random, irregular attempts at training are extremely unlikely to have any real benefit.
One of the best aspects of these apps is the instant feedback on performance. Progress is reviewed at the end of a session. Statistics are available showing factors such as reaction time, total missed or correct and improvement on the previous score. This can be a great incentive for improvement. Progress reports may be given in the form of a graph showing the different areas and progress in each of them. Percentages may compare skills to other users of the same age.
As a certain time span is allowed for a game, intense focus and concentration is necessary. This mental effort is shown to have a positive effect on attention span, short term memory and more. This is especially important for older retired adults. They are no longer faced with many of the intellectual challenges faced by younger people and therefore they need to engage their brains in complex ways to keep their minds sharp in the second half of life. However, not only those who are aging benefit and anyone can improve their capacity.
There are some researchers who are attempting to prove that such exercises actually have no real benefit. However, there are many individuals who testify to the benefit they have experienced from doing these training exercises. They love being able to track their progress and actually see how they are improving. All it takes is 15 minutes a day and they enjoy the challenge while benefiting at the same time.
