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Those things include physical activity, but what would I do with my mind if
I were unable to have physical activity, or if my physical activity were restricted?
When I was very young, I worked in a nursing home as an aide. I saw older
people in all stages of the aging process. What surprised me were, the
ones that could still walk the hallways and go to the dining hall for dinner,
were the ones that kept their minds active. There was always the crossword
puzzle book on their side table, a crochet hook and directions next to the chair,
even a set of stationery and pen, so they could keep in touch with their loved
ones. It was so sad for me to walk into a room and see someone just laying
there, staring at the wall, waiting for something to do or someone to come visit.
They are also the ones with NO crossword puzzle book on their side table.
These things did not seem significant to me at the time, but after hearing
the doctor on the radio, I began to piece it all together. If there are
people in your life at any age that are having difficulty with their mental
faculties, go buy them one of those fat crossword puzzle books, or one of those
hand held Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune games. Play Trivial Pursuit at
family functions (I LOVE my daddy to be on MY team, we ALWAYS win) or Who wants
to be a Millionaire. Try Pictionary or if you are artistically challenged
like yours truly, play Scattergories or Scrabble instead.
The point to all this, is the longer I keep my brain active and jumping to
answer questions, the longer my mind will stay sharp and alert. Think of the
brain as a muscle, and if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. Remember the older
loved ones in your life when shopping this holiday season. They will remember
your name longer in the process, if you help them keep their mind active.
Now, where did I leave that animal named thingie that makes this go to print?????
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