Is Facebook The Best Way To Exercise Your Brain?

Facebook? Lumosity? Brain HQ?

University of Arizona: Facebook Article

There are plenty of choices when it comes to giving your brain a workout. My choice will always be Facebook especially for adults age 65+! Yes, I believe that Facebook meets and exceeds the requirements for giving your brain robust workout.

Ask neuroscientists and experts in memory training they often list three requirements to provide real cognitive benefits.

1. Novel
2. Variety
3. Complex

Novel

Login to Facebook and you often surround yourself with changes in features. Most recently Facebook is focusing on uploading native videos, before that it was changes in messaging. If novel is what you are looking for Facebook will continue to meet that requirement.

Variety

Everyday pages and new groups are added, videos go viral and information is shared. Users have the ability to find friends, information, and resources all within a few clicks.

Complex

If you're age 65 and over your use of technology may be limited. Using Facebook requires using fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and ultimately focus. While digital natives may find Facebook intuitive for many older users the layout and using tools requires concentration.

Lastly, Facebook is a connector! Connecting grandparents family members, individuals to their interests, and all the while decreasing social isolation. I believe the real power behind Facebook is allowing its user to reconnect and nurture friendships.

Judi Bonilla is a San Diego gerontologist focusing on researching, developing, and teaching healthy aging programs. She’s the founder of We Get Around! focused on senior transportation, Brain Fit Now! a community-based brain health program. Encorepreneur 101 boosting entrepreneurs age 50 plus. Connect with Judi on Facebook to stay find out the latest news in healthy aging.

Make 2014 The Year of the Caregiver

“Put the oxygen mask on first,” is the call we hear from the flight attendants every time a pilot prepares for take off. You have to take care of yourself, before you can take care of others.  Before I tell you how I want you to know I also hear…

It’s different for me because

I hear a chorus of voices as if we were gathered around my kitchen table. 

• “I know I should.”
• “I don’t have the time.” 
• “There’s no one to help.” 

The fact are if you are a caregiver your health is at risk and now is the time to take charge of your well being.  In a study by the National Alliance for Caregiving, 53% of caregivers  said their health had gotten worse due to caregiving.  Another study found elderly people who felt stressed while taking care of their disabled spouses were 63% more likely to die within 4 years than caregivers who were not feeling stressed.

Clearly now is the time to begin the practice of self-care and the first step is to manage your stress

2014 Caregivers Action Plan To Manage Stress

1. Banish the words should, would, and could from your internal thoughts and your conversation. For many, these words are often connected with feelings of guilt, self recrimination, and blame.  Research shows, what you say to yourself affects your attitudes, habits, and health. The next time the words should, would, and could form in your thoughts...Take a deep breath in and ask yourself  “What do I really want say?” “What am I really feeling?” As you exhale take advice from the Poet Maya Angelou, “You did what you knew how to do, and when you knew better, you did better."
2. Practice better mental and physical health habits. I use the word practice to encourage you to look at each habit as a way to learn and improve self-care habits to handle life’s events and prepare for the future. The easiest and most inexpensive practice is to begin walking. Walk with a mindful attitude and focus your thoughts on your breathing. No talking, no planning, no replaying of a past conversation. Walk and focus on your breathing. Simply keep your thoughts on breathing in and out. Start your mindful walking practice with five minutes once a day. Increase the time of your walk slowly with the knowledge your practice is building the foundation for self-care.
3. Begin Again know that none of us were born with all the answers, skills, and wisdom needed to live a happy and healthy life. Each of us learns through experience and the wise learn from the experience of others. Self-care is the art of treating ourselves with the same kindness, love, and understanding we give those we care for.

2014 The Year of the Caregiver is my hope for you as we start the New Year together.

Judi Bonilla is a Gerontologist and ED of We Get Around! a nonprofit organization working to promote the use of public transportation for adults approaching driving retirement. 

Follow Judi Bonilla on Twitter: @JudiBonilla

Why Public Transportation Can Save Your Retirement

Retirees enjoying their
first ride on public transit!

Driving retirement is inevitable. Research shows men outlive their ability to drive by six years and for women it's about 10 years.

What happens when you no longer driver? Who do you ask for a ride? Neighbors? Children? Grandchildren? Friends? The answer is yes. You begin to prepare for your transportation while you continue to drive.

However, like most American's you want your independence and want to remain self reliant. Riding public transportation is an excellent way to control your schedule. However, for many adults over 65 years of age it's been a long time since you've ridden the public. Here are a few ideas to get you out in your community on public transportation.

Training
Do your homework. Contact your local transportation provider to find out if they offer "Travel Instruction" or "Travel Training" classes. These classes are often available to older adults who are transitioning out of driving. Led by a trained Travel Instructor you'll learn how to plan and travel using your communities public transportation systems.

Plan your driving retirement and
learn how to use public transportation.

Education

If classes are unavailable in your community, GoogleMaps is now your best friend. For novices I suggest planning a trip to a local mall or another familiar location. In GoogleMaps you can plan and get detailed directions to your destination

Safety
Before you leave home pack light. That means removing extra money, credit cards, and jewelry. As a novice transit ride everything you experience will be new. Keep your focus on personal safety and not how heavy your bag is! I also suggest carrying a coin purse and use this to keep your exact fare and ticket.  



Travel
With age comes wisdom and also rights to priority seating. After paying your fare use the seating closest to the driver for your journey. Once you become a regular transit rider carrying a book is always an excellent way to avoid an unwanted conversation.

The important point is to get out and explore your community using public transportation. Using public transportation is a great way to maintain an active lifestyle as you age.