| If you're looking for ways to ensure that your | | | | is what keeps your brain fit. |
| brain stays healthy and fit as you get older, the | | | | If you're not sure which types of classes you'd |
| answer may be in the classroom. Many experts | | | | like to pursue, consider the following suggestions: |
| suggest continuing your education as a way to | | | | - Learn a new language |
| ensure that your brain stays healthy and fit at | | | | - Art classes |
| any age. | | | | - Literature Classes or Book Clubs |
| We've all heard the old adage; "use it or lose it". | | | | - Cooking Classes |
| Well, it seems that this statement is never truer | | | | - Creative Writing Classes |
| than when discussing brain function. The more we | | | | - Computer or Software Classes |
| use our brains, the healthier and fitter they'll be. In | | | | - Learn to play an instrument |
| fact, studies have shown that working our brains | | | | - Learn a new sport like golf, tennis or racquetball |
| hard at any age can actually stimulate growth of | | | | - Learn to fly a plane |
| new brain cells. | | | | The point is certainly not what class you take, but |
| Classes and other forms of formal education | | | | simply that you engage in some form of learning |
| stimulate key areas of the brain because we are | | | | to keep your brain sharp. Choose an area in which |
| striving to learn new information and commit it to | | | | you have interest and then develop that interest |
| memory. If tests are involved; so much the | | | | into a new skill. Once the classes are over, you |
| better, since you'll likely work a little harder to try | | | | can continue developing the new skills you've |
| and retain the information. | | | | learned until you reach the level of expertise you |
| Depending upon the area of study, different areas | | | | desire, either by taking more classes, or by |
| of the brain will be stimulated, but any act of | | | | developing the skills on your own. Then, it might |
| learning new information will help improve your | | | | be time to move on to another area of |
| brain's function, your memory and your overall | | | | exploration. |
| brain fitness. | | | | Maintaining your brain fitness and health as we get |
| Confused about what sort of classes you should | | | | older requires work. A sedentary mind, just like a |
| take? Well, unless you're pursuing a degree, just | | | | sedentary body, will get weaker and lose function. |
| choose whatever interests you. The subject | | | | Keeping your mind active and sharp through |
| matter isn't as important as the sheer fact that | | | | lifelong learning is a great way to ensure that you |
| you're mastering a new skill. This need to commit | | | | enjoy life to the fullest at every age. |
| information to memory and to your understanding | | | | |