Like any machine, your brain is made to be used. The gears and inner-workings of your mind become more efficient and build stronger pathways as you problem solve, memorize and contemplate.
Unfortunately, also like a machine, your brain begins to become rusty and starts to slow down if it sits idle for too long. After retirement, it can be easy let your mind slip into a less active state, as you don't have to deal with the constant problems or challenges that work generally provides. That's why it's important to find ways to keep your brain on its toes.
Here are some mobile apps to help keep your mind active and train it to be faster and more accurate at any age.
Lumosity is a brain-training app designed to build each of your cognitive functions. When you begin using the app, it prompts you to take a fit test that consists of a few mini games. Your scores in these games are used to discern your fitness level for each cognitive function.
The app then creates daily brain workouts tailored to your specific needs. These activities include three mini games in the free version and five if you buy the premium account. The games level up to harder versions as you progress and your brain becomes adept at each challenge.
Where Lumosity tends to focus on abstract and general cognitive functions, Elevate works on more specific real-world skills. This app helps heighten your writing, reading, speaking, listening and math abilities, making it ideal for seniors who want to remain active and independent.
Elevate also focuses on self confidence and productivity and lets you view other users' scores, which makes it a great choice if you enjoy getting competitive or want extra motivation.
Similar to Lumosity and some physical fitness apps, Peak creates a personal mental workout plan to help you meet your goals. Having a long-term goal can help keep you motivated and add a sense of accomplishment when you reach each milestone.
This app sets itself apart via personal statistic tracking. It lets you view your scores with each cognitive function in a balanced display that shows your strengths and weaknesses. Peak also uses games developed by scientists, which means there is research to back up their effectiveness.
Learning a new language is definitely a great way to keep your neurons firing and is thought to help prevent Alzheimer's and the cognitive decline associated with aging. Language learning apps can help you pick up a new language at your leisure and without the pressure of a formal class.
Duolingo, Memrise and Drops are popular apps that teach languages in bite-size lessons that take less than ten minutes a day. These apps are also free and downloadable on almost any device, making them great if you're on a budget.
You can enjoy sharpening your brain with these apps in Broadmoor Court assisted living's library or on the outdoor patios, and residents can take advantage of the free Wi-Fi at the assisted living community to access these games.
