Evolution of program for maintaining mental fitness

Q: I have been reading about Mind Works. Where did you get the inspiration to start such a program?
A: The Mind Works program was born after I read the report of an experiment that was carried out at the University of California in Berkeley. This experiment involved a group of laboratory rats that were given very special treatment. They were given ladders to climb, tunnels to explore, and other kinds for fun-things to do with their days. In addition, the experimenters held the rats and truly gave them a great deal of attention.
When the rats died, it was discovered that the rats in the experiment had lived longer than the control group rats in the normal cages. But most amazing was the fact that the brains of the rats in the experiment had grown and changed.
The experimenters decided to try the same experiment again, but this time they used very old rats, rat Methuselahs, that in human


years would have been over ninety years of age. Again, the rats of the experiment lived
longer, and their brains had also grown and changed.
My thoughts turned to older adults. If they were given mental stimulation, might their brains benefit as well? What kinds of mental ladders and mental tunnels could I devise for them?
To engage the interest of older adults, any activities must be new, unusual, mentally stimulating, and above all, FUN. Also, all activities obviously must be introduced at a manageable level, and then made more difficult as participants are able to master them.
Many older adults feel insecure because of memory loss or reduced abilities for problem solving or rigorous thinking in general. The loss of need for such mental activity often results in a lower level of performance. The familiar "use it or lose it" situation.
The atmosphere in any Mind Works session is completely non-threatening. There is no competition to be first with an answer to a problem. In fact, those sitting in adjacent seats often solve a problem together, sharing ideas and getting to the solution more quickly.
After the Mind Works program was in operation, there was another experiment involving laboratory rats. This one involved more complex activities that the rats were required to learn before they could perform them. The brain changes were even more impressive than before.
After I read this experiment, I decided to change the Mind Works activities slightly and put more stress on learning in general, and on thinking in new ways. Fun remained the prime factor, however, and the sound most heard in any Mind Works session is still laughter.
To cite an example of possible effects of Mind Works, I want to remember a very special woman. Anne Stevens, who died recently, and been attending the Mind Works program for approximately fifteen years. At 91, she remained extremely mentally sharp and was willing, indeed eager, to attack any problem that I could present to the group. Her family was delighted with her abilities and seemed impressed that she wanted to tackle her "homework" that I assign each week, just as soon as she arrived home from her session.
She recently decided that she was no longer comfortable driving, but a friend, who is also a Mind Works participant, brought her each week. Anne took an active part in everything we did, made jokes when she felt the urge, and was an interacting member of the group. She will be missed so very much.

Considerate young man belies modern stereotype

Q: What’s with the young people of today? And some of the older ones as well? When driving, they are always in a hurry, can’t stop for anything, including pedestrians, stop signs, and stop lights. One can only assume that they carry such an attitude to other activities, as well. What ever happened to thinking of others and being considerate? I’m almost afraid to drive or walk anywhere.
A: There certainly are a great many obnoxious and dangerous people around us. As a pedestrian I have nearly been hit several times while crossing a street in a legal crosswalk, and I definitely have been driving in a much more defensive way to try to ensure my own safety. “Thoughtless” and “rude” are words that are extremely common in my mind, not to mention that old quote from the early 1940’s –“People are no damn good”.
There are exceptions, however, and not all young people are unpleasant and unthinking. Let me describe a totally unselfish and thoughtful young man with whom I was in contact a while ago.
My husband and I were having dinner at a very nice restaurant. Towards the end of the meal, he said that he was not feeling well and wished to leave. When he tried to arise from the table, however, he felt extremely light-headed. I quickly went over to the young maitre d’hotel (here-after known as Mr. G.) to get some help, but before Mr. G and I could reach him, my husband had fainted and collapsed.
Mr. G. immediately called the emergency telephone number, and the ambulance and fire department arrived very quickly. My near-and-dear had regained consciousness by that time, but it was decided that he should be taken immediately to the nearest hospital, which, unfortunately, was about thirty miles away. I was unable to leave with him because I needed to pick up some things in our hotel room that I had not taken to dinner.
I was reluctant to drive so far by myself. It was dark and I didn’t have any idea how to find the hospital. There were no taxis nearby so I considered calling one from the city where the hospital was located. At that point, Mr. G said that he would be happy to drive me. He was very persuasive, saying that her could leave others in charge and we could start off when I was ready. It was only later that I realized that he could have been in trouble if a problem had developed in the restaurant.
We drove nearly an hour to reach the hospital, Mr. G came in with me and waited while I visited my husband and was so relieved to discover that nothing serious was wrong. The physicians were not ready to release him, however, and I didn’t want to take up more of Mr. G’s time, so I decided to return to the hotel.
We had a nice chat, and we exchanged information about our lives. When we returned, I insisted that I must pay him, but he absolutely refused, making it clear that he would be insulted if I made a further issue of it. We have seen Mr. G again a few times and have been quite friendly. He knows about the Mind Works program, and graciously accepted a copy of my book “Don’t Lose Your Mind”.
Here I have described an example of an outstanding, caring, thoughtful, and totally unselfish young person. I will always be indebted to him.

Losing things? Try these steps

Q: I regularly lose things such as my sunglasses, keys, and even my wallet now and again. They eventually turn up, usually where I least expect them, but it’s very stressful in the meantime. Any ideas on how to make the inevitable searching process more productive?

A: How many times have I heard this question? You share this problem with SO many other people and yet there really are a number of things that you can do to help solve it. Let’s start with the keys.
Keys are so necessary, and probably the most constantly used item of all those that you mentioned. Select a particular spot that is convenient to your house doors, or wherever you enter your home. It should be a spot where you will always be using your keys. Install a nail, hook, or perhaps even a small basket—something that can hold your keys. Then ALWAYS put your keys there. I have a magnetic hook attached to the refrigerator, just inside the kitchen door that is very convenient to my entry way. My keys ALWAYS go there immediately when I arrive home. On a rare occasion, I have not remembered where I put my keys, but when I checked the hook—guess what?—there they were! Find a place for yourself today.
Some items, such as glasses, are with us even more of the time than are keys, especially if we need them for reading or other detailed work. Those attachments that are made to fit the earpieces of glasses can be a great help in keeping the glasses around your throat when you aren’t using them. These can help one avoid misplacing them, inasmuch as they will always be with you.
Sunglasses are usually worn far less often, and my first suggestion for avoiding losing them is the same as for keys: always put them in the same place. However, if they are lost, there is another technique that often works well for finding them, or any other misplaced item.
Use your imagination. I do not mean this in the usual sense, but imagining is involved. Take a comfortable seat. Try to imagine what you were doing when you last wore your sunglasses. Where were you, exactly? Try to remember the situation. Where had you been? What activities were you doing? Why did you wear sunglasses? Ask all the pertinent questions and answer them as well as you can. If possible, actually retrace your steps. Relive the situation. You may well be surprised at how clearly the details develop. Others who have tried this technique have told me how well it really works.
In general, it would be very helpful for you to become more focused, to concentrate, and to pay close attention to details around you. Being aware of your surroundings and of your activities can help you to remember what you have done, and where you were while you were doing it. Avoid distractions as well as you can. Late in the day, try to remember your activities in as much detail as possible.
All these ideas are time consuming but can help you to be organized and in control of your life and possessions. Give it a try.

Pose mental challenges to stave off Alzheimer's

Q: What, if anything, can we older folks do to help prevent Alzheimer's disease?
A: At this time, I do not believe there is a sure preventative method against Alzheimer's, but certainly a great deal of research is being done. I have read about certain medications that have been developed, and your physician could certainly give you information about them. As for my personal recommendation, as always it is to be as mentally active as possible.
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by a loss of mental ability. Inasmuch as mental activity makes the brain grow and change, the chances would seem to be that an increase in mental activities is called for. As usual, I suggest all kinds of mental challenges, especially new ones. Check out your newspaper and your favorite bookstore for puzzles and problems that attract your interest. Don't try to begin at too difficult a level, of course. You might well become discouraged, and at this point it is imperative that you start building your confidence.
Older adults often feel vulnerable and insecure if they believe that their memory and/or other mental abilities are not as sharp as they once were. Unfortunately, the more apprehension one feels, the more likely it is that problems with mental ability will become worse. Building confidence by working on mental activities usually relieves the insecurity and results in improved mental ability.
Working on becoming increasingly aware is also an important part of improving mental fitness. Pay close attention to details around you.
Utilize a technique called sensory observation, which involves using all five of your senses when you observe any particular object. A typical example is the observation of a paper clip--use sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste. (You may want to avoid tasting it!) Write a list of at least fifteen things that you can observe. For example, it is silver, smooth and shiny. Any information concerning the use of a paper clip is not a valid part of this exercise.
Try this also with certain food items--a pretzel stick, or a glass of sparkling water, perhaps. Time consuming? Yes, but if you are worried about your mental situation, this is an activity that can be of great value. The time spent concentrating on your surroundings and details of objects you come in contact with, is very valuable time indeed.
Learning something completely new can also help brain growth. Do you have a yen to learn a new language, or investigate a particular era in history, or some other favorite subject? Check on the possible availability of classes. There are so many, in adult schools, senior centers, and other institutions.
The interaction with other students would also be valuable. Social contacts are essential for older adults. Studies indicate that those who are alone and do not spend time with others do not live as long as those who are more social.
In review, my advice to anyone trying to avoid Alzheimer's is to be more aware, by using sensory observation, increase mental activity, and interact with others.

Try to focus if you have a bad day

Q: What do you have to say regarding “bad days”? (When coffee, for example, makes no difference or even makes matters worse.
A: The term “bad day” may mean different things to different people, but for me “bad days”, though rare, involve having usual events not go as I expect, often because something unexpected has happened to distract me from my regular schedule. That can certainly happen to anyone.
My immediate reaction for you is that a special activity or technique is called for that will force you, or at least encourage you, to concentrate. Try to be particularly aware of everything around you. Use sensory observation in a methodical manner to examine anything with which you come in contact. This means, as you may had noted from some of the other things I have written, that you observe using all senses—touch, taste, smell, hear and see everything that you contact. Might you still be at breakfast when you realize that you are having a bad day? If so, carefully consider your breakfast fare. (At such a relatively early hour, this may seem a bit difficult, but give it a try.)
Perhaps you are having orange juice—freshly squeezed, of course. Take a little extra time to observe the orange with all your senses. Notice the texture of the orange peel, and the odor before it is cut. Check the end of the orange that was attached to the tree, and the opposite end as well. Is it a navel orange, or some other type? You are unlikely to hear anything from the orange, unless you happen to drop it. The tasting will occur when you have prepared the juice.
Continue observing the rest of your breakfast as well as you possibly can. Then move on to your daily activities.
Whatever you need to do next, make an extreme effort to keep focused. This may also prove to be very difficult. If you need to read something, be certain that you understand the content. On bad days, it is often easier to skim over any reading material, and later you realize that you did not truly grasp whatever it was that you read. Think about the subject. Did you understand it? If not, make another attempt.
On days such as these, I often find that physical exercise is very helpful. If you are medically fit, try an aerobic procedure. For me, a higher heart rate and the resulting increased blood flow can often produce a minor miracle in the way I feel. If you are advised by your physician not to perform aerobic exercise, just go about whatever your routine physical activity may be.
A simple walk can be extremely helpful, both physically and mentally. As you proceed along your chosen route, start using sensory observation again. Notice flowers and other interesting plants. How many different odors can you detect? Making a list of them can be very helpful. Listen carefully for any sounds around you, and be sure to touch anything that appeals to you, and that isn’t dangerous. Again, all this will take time and effort. But do give it a try.
Let’s keep those “bad days” at a minimum!

Retaining, regaining your mental fitness

Q: Is mental fitness similar to physical fitness in that if you don’t use it you will lose it? What sort of regular mental fitness regime would you recommend for a young man of 84?
A: Mental and physical fitness will both be lost if they are not given constant workouts. On-going activity for both of them is essential for maintaining high levels of both types of fitness. If there is a lapse, it will result in reduced abilities.
If you are a physically active person, and you have ever had a prolonged illness, during which you were unable to exercise, you will have noticed that when you desired to begin your regimen of physical activities you probably experienced some difficulty. It is often taxing to perform the same physical tasks at the same level of difficulty as before. It also usually takes a longer period of time to recover the physical abilities than the time the illness itself lasted. Eventually, if one takes things gradually, the strength returns and the exercise regime can assume the level that was normal for you.
The same deterioration of mental abilities happens to people who do not remain mentally active. It often occurs when retirement comes along. The retiree is so delighted to be able to relax more, that he/she may become a TV-aholic, or pursue other activities that require little critical thinking. This is extremely unfortunate because it is so difficult to start thinking in a rigorous manner once the habit has been lost. In my opinion, much of the loss really is just that of losing the habit of being aware, solving problems, and making the effort to keep the mind working. However, when such inactivity has continued for some time, it becomes very difficult to regain the lost abilities.
To begin a new regime of mental activity, I suggest that you find a challenging type of puzzle or problem that interests you. If you have not been pursuing such activities, try a number of different kinds. Check your newspaper. The comics page usually has two or three types to offer. They are usually quite easy and may often be completed along with your breakfast. If that is the case, of course, you need more to keep you occupied for a longer period of time.
Consider books of puzzles at your favorite bookstore. Some of them contain a variety of puzzle types, while others are devoted to only one type, such as crosswords. Logic problems may take some time to master, but a book of them usually begins with an easy section and works up to those that are more difficult. These require methodical, exact thinking, but give such satisfaction when the correct solution is reached! While you are pursuing these activities, don’t forget to work on your awareness skills, by using all your senses to observe the world around you.
If you look into all these types of problems and ideas, I predict that your mental abilities will grow and that you will find yourself always searching for your next mental challenge.

When living alone is no longer an option

Q: The time has come for me to consider an alternative living situation for my aging mother. Clearly, she should not be living alone any longer, yet I am not able to care for her myself. I would like to find a great "retirement home" situation, but there are so many different kinds. What would you suggest I look for in a place?
A: Depending upon your mother's condition there are, as you mention, many possibilities. They may vary from a friendly living facility with many other residents, with whom she could interact, to a complete hospital-like institution with 24-hour medical attendants.
A facility with minimal need for care, often called assisted living, can be very pleasant, attractive, and provide activities that keep the residents busy, if they wish to be. There can be individual rooms, often with small kitchenettes that allow each person to perform minimal cooking procedures if desired. A main dining room usually provides all meals as well. Food, of course, is a large consideration and must meet specific requirements for those on special diets.
If you locate a residence that interests you, perhaps you could talk to some of the residents to discover their feelings about particular aspects of the facility. Inasmuch as they reside there, their responses are likely to be on the positive side.
If your mother is capable, she should certainly help you to choose the facility that most appeals to her. Your letter sounds as if she is just now reaching a point at which she needs assistance to cope with her daily life. Having some input into the choice of a suitable place may help her to deal with the idea of losing the home she has undoubtedly lived in for a long period of time, and thus make her feel a bit more "in charge".
To this point we have addressed housing facilities that serve those needing minimal care. People are living much longer and there are more and more institutions that care for those who can do little, or literally nothing for themselves. Such a place cannot be chosen by the patient, but is usually selected by a responsible relative.
In all care facilities the most important factor to consider is superior medical attention. Be certain that the staff is composed of qualified personnel. Record keeping for each resident or patient is essential, as well as responsibility for overseeing any prescribed medications. Be sure to check carefully all details involved in the care giving. The facility can undoubtedly give you references to contact.
Most of the extended care facilities that I have visited over the years have provided little, if any, mental stimulation. Their patients are able to do essentially nothing for themselves and often spend much of their time sitting in wheelchairs, totally inactive. These residents could only benefit from some mental activities that could vastly improve their quality of life.
Making the decision that a close relative is no longer capable of self-care is always difficult and distressful. The best of luck to you and your mother.

Idea for Mind Works began with lab rats

Dear Readers, I am often asked when and how I happened to get the idea for the Mind Works program all those years ago, when mental exercise was essentially unheard of.
In 1986 I read the description of an experiment in which half of the rats in a laboratory experiment were given activities to do, such as ladders to climb, tunnels to go through, and the opportunities to be with other rats, while the remaining half of the rats were kept as usual in their cages.
Fascinatingly, when the rats were examined later, it was discovered that the rats that had been “entertained” lived longer than their bored counter parts, and also that unlike the control group, their brains had grown and changed.
The experimenters decided that they wanted to discover if the same outcomes would occur in really elderly rats, rats that would be over 100 if rated in human years. So they conducted the same experiment with a group of these really old rats and the same results occurred. The rats given fun things to do once again lived longer, and their brains had also grown and changed.
The thought came to me: If this kind of an experiment brings such results as these to laboratory rats, maybe it would work similarly with people. So I then began to put various ideas together, trying to decide on certain mental activities that would be challenging, solvable, and yet fun. There were no mental fitness classes that I could discover, and asking at senior centers for such classes usually brought a reaction such as: “Mental fitness? What do you mean by that?”
Therefore, one of my first moves was to check out local bookstores for possible games and puzzles books. I looked them over and bought a few as a start. They gave me enough ideas to put together a class, I received permission to start at a local senior center, and so it all began. Needless to say, I kept an eye out for more types of books, and by now, twenty years later, I have quite a library.
As time passed, the idea of mental fitness became quite popular and I found a company dedicated to thinking, called Critical Thinking Software and Press. I have since bought numerous items from them that have become indispensable in the Mind Works classes. There are literally hundreds of activities that provide challenges, from the very simple to the most difficult and abstract.
The Mind Works program provides its “students” with as wide a variety as possible to activities. Every week has several different problems to solve. Some of them may involve numbers or words or special blocks to arrange in specific patterns. Not every person likes every activity, but they all give each puzzle their best effort and the results are always promising, usually accurate and everyone has FUN while they are performing. Communicating also plays a large part in class activities, and two adjacent individuals often work together in their efforts.
Who knows how long I can continue the Mind Works program? I have certainly enjoyed it as much as anyone else, and I must mention one special lady who has enjoyed it so much that she has been a regular attendee for more than fifteen years! Others have been coming for more than five, and I still have the occasional beginner. What more could I ask?

Reconnecting lifelong loners

I have lived alone for many years. The responsibilities of my occupation kept me very busy and my life has been so satisfactory and enjoyable. Now I have retired and feel rather lost. I haven't made many friends over the years. How do you think I should proceed?
Sarah S.

Don't be a loner! Make sure to touch bases with friends or acquaintances frequently. The importance of personal interactions on a regular basis cannot be stressed too highly.
Our social lives are far more important than most people realize. Research indicates that those who live alone and who don't make frequent social contacts do not live as long as those who interact with others on a regular basis.
It is so easy to lose contact with others as we pursue our daily responsibilities and activities in general. To regain contact, you might start with a telephone call to someone you know well, but haven't seen for awhile. Try to make a specific date to meet--for a walk, perhaps, or a cup of tea at a local café. Usually it is not difficult to reestablish a former relationship, but it may take a bit of an effort. Again, setting specific dates may be required, but it is really worth it to have a friend.
Another idea is to be a volunteer. Select an organization or service that you particularly admire--perhaps a childrens' service, or one for older adults--and donate some time each week. This is another way to make new acquaintances and to be with other people. Good luck!

I have hung it up! Now I can enjoy myself and not worry about problems that other people write to you. It's going to be great!
Sam W.

So you're retired? Family grown and left home? No more need to hear the alarm, face that dreadful commute, and put in long hours at the office. Now you can relax, watch as much TV as you wish, and just enjoy doing almost nothing. No need anymore to think, make tough decisions, and solve business problems, right? Wrong! In fact, there is now even more reason for you to continue to think and, even more important, to learn new things. At this point in your life, the term "use it, or lose it" becomes more significant than ever before.
Just as a reduction in physical activities quickly results in a loss of stamina necessary for physical fitness, a reduction in mental activity can have as great an impact on mental fitness--perhaps even greater. Mental
inactivity can result in memory loss, reduced awareness and attention to details, and a lack of concentration.
Until very recently, it was believed that loss of memory and brain function were just a natural part of aging, that brain cells were lost constantly and that nothing could be done to change this. Recent research now indicates
that the brain can grow and change at any age, and that learning something new can actually produce new brain cells and connections. The more the brain
is used, the better it works.
So turn off the TV, take up a new hobby, and find something mental that you
really enjoy, such as crosswords, puzzles, or cryptograms, perhaps. Also adopt a challenging physical regimen. For the best possible health, being active, both mentally and physically, is essential.
Enjoy your retirement! But be sure to live a life that will allow you to continue to enjoy it for many years to come.

Keeping a handle on things when schedule gets busy

Q. Although I am "getting on" I lead a very busy life. In fact, it seems almost frantic these days. So many things going on--social affairs, household necessities, and so on. Recently I realized that I have been forgetting a few responsibilities, and even an appointment. I think I need help!

A. This sounds like a situation that will benefit from the word "organize". You need to find ways that will require less time than you now spend while attending to all your responsibilities. What methods do you use to help you keep track of all the things you must do?
One essential for both current and long-term planning is a calendar. A daily check of the day's activities is necessary, of course, and perhaps even more than once to make sure you have not forgotten anything. Also start preparing for the next day and often even longer than that.
Lists are also important. Don't go shopping without one. Whenever you think of something you need, write it on the list immediately. Do not wait or you may get distracted and forget all about it. A certain way to use time is to find it necessary to make two trips to complete an errand when one should have been sufficient.
Another type of list that can be most helpful is a scrap of paper and a pencil kept at your bedside. Many of us have new ideas, or remember responsibilities at around 3 A.M. It often helps me get back to sleep if I just jot it down, knowing then that it will not have slipped my mind in the morning.
Do you ever forget to take a particular object with you that you have promised to someone? Perhaps a friend wants to borrow a book, so you have promised to take it to her when you went to lunch. Then at lunch--no book! How do you make sure that you won't forget? Put the book where you cannot miss it. Place it directly in front of the door where you will exit, or take it to your car well before you plan to leave.
Both of these methods are very effective.
Try to organize your daily errands in the most efficient way. Unless a time schedule interferes, take the shortest, and therefore the quickest route. Know ahead of time exactly where you are going and the route you will take. It really pays off in time saved.
Are you trying to remember things that are unnecessary? Try to consider all the things that it is all right to forget. For example, if you have made a complete shopping list, you need not remember the items on it. You can just read it at the proper time. I personally read some books for rest and relaxation, and purposely do not remember them or their authors. Those details are not important to my life. Nobody will be harmed if I forget them.
As I always stress, try to find a few minutes each day for some mental stimulation such as a crossword puzzle. I realize that you are already busier than you want to be, but organizing should help you to save time and some mental activity will help your concentration, memory, and other mental abilities.

Don't plan on retiring without a plan.

Dear readers: The last column was addressed to those who are reluctant to retire because they like their occupations so much. This column is for those who have not liked their employment and who are only waiting to reach the appropriate age to retire. Again, there are a number of considerations.

Anyone who plans to retire must have a plan for future activities. Be certain not to ignore the fact that you will have large quantities of time that will need to be filled somehow. What will you do during those hours that no longer will be occupied with commute traffic? The hours when you were bound to your office? I can almost hear the words "sleep" and "TV". However, you are certain to wake eventually, and I hope to discourage you from vast quantities of TV. Try to avoid activities in general that require little or no thought. It will be tempting to those individuals who will be glad to escape a less than stimulating position to utilize the ever-present TV for longer than is really sensible.
Obviously you need a good substitute for the time that your present job occupies, but this time select an area with which you will be comfortable. As always, my suggestion is for mental exercise. There are certainly some mental activities that will challenge you and that you will enjoy. If you do not at present do any types of puzzles, try a variety of them at a doable level to check out which of them you might like to try in a more difficult form.
Another idea might be to expand a present hobby, or if you do not have one, consider learning a completely new subject. Initiate a plan to do an activity that has attracted you in the past, a topic that has interested you over the years, perhaps, but that you have never had the time to pursue.
If you have travel plans, learning an appropriate language would provide you a real mental challenge. In any case, choose a stimulating subject that will occupy your interest and make you think. Taking an appropriate class to learn a language or another subject that attracts you can have advantages. Others who are considering the same directions will also attend, and present a good opportunity for making new friends.
I always encourage all retirees to volunteer. You will not want to pursue your present field of employment, so consider perhaps, your favorite charitable organization, or some other activity that you especially enjoy. Helping others is so important and so rewarding for you. You will also likely be working with other volunteers, and the resulting social interaction is also of the utmost importance.
There are, of course, other activities that all older adults should pursue. Although a recent study indicates that physical activity does not help to promote mental fitness, I personally find that aerobic exercise makes me feel much more relaxed and well in general. If you do not now exercise regularly, however, be sure to check with your physician before beginning. Perhaps you could also join a gym and ask a trainer to help you set up an appropriate regimen.
Your retirement should be such a rewarding experience. Enjoy it!

Senior center session helps jump-start mental fitness

Q. I am really interested in your ideas about mental fitness and would like to pursue them, but I am the kind of person who wants things to move along as quickly as possible. Starting to do crossword puzzles, it seems to me, would take a long time to produce results. What do you think would bring about the most rapid change?

A. My belief is that mental fitness is helped most by challenging mental activities that previously have not been experienced. Learning something completely new, solving puzzles involving techniques and thinking patterns that you never heard of before.
The Mind Works program provides precisely those things I just described. If you live within commuting distance to El Cerrito, I strongly recommend that you try Mind Works. There are two one-and-a-half hour sessions a week--Thursday morning at 9:30, and Thursday afternoon at l o'clock, at the Open House Senior Center at 6500 Stockton Avenue.
Besides learning many new things, we have a great deal of fun. The most heard sound in any Mind Works session is laughter. The atmosphere is totally noncompetitive and unthreatening; it is perfectly all right to make a mistake--everybody does, even I do on occasion!
Some members of my group have been attending Mind Works for well over ten years. They are dedicated to thinking and learning, including those who are over 90 years of age. No matter what kind of problem I may present to them for solution, they will give it their very best efforts.
We also try to welcome newcomers by reviewing some of our basic, simpler activities that will introduce them to various concepts upon which they can build and learn. With the help of the veteran members of the group, it usually doesn't take long for a newcomer to become familiar with it all.
When we approach a new and different type of problem to understand or solve, members who are seated adjacent to one another tend to work together. As they share their impressions, their different ideas often come together to help the whole thing to be understood more quickly. No one tries to be "first" with a solution. The effort made is truly one of cooperation.
Recently a member who joined one of the groups over a year ago, came to me following a session. She wanted to share with me some of the ways that Mind Works has affected her. She has become far more observant and aware of her surroundings, and of activities that are occurring there. Her problem solving abilities have improved and she is just feeling generally more in command of her life.
If you find it impossible to attend Mind Works sessions, my book "Don't Lose Your Mind" could be a great help. It is a workbook, easy to use, with spaces for writing. It leads you in a step-by-step manner toward improved awareness, communication skills, concentration, and memory. There are also suggestions that will help you to avoid misplacing those important objects that you need, such as keys and eyeglasses. The price is also right--only $10. For other questions, please contact me at the at the number or email address at the end of the column.

reconnecting lifelong learners

I have lived alone for many years. The responsibilities of my occupation kept me very busy and my life has been so satisfactory and enjoyable. Now I have retired and feel rather lost. I haven't made many friends over the years. How do you think I should proceed?
Sarah S.

Don't be a loner! Make sure to touch bases with friends or acquaintances frequently. The importance of personal interactions on a regular basis cannot be stressed too highly.
Our social lives are far more important than most people realize. Research indicates that those who live alone and who don't make frequent social contacts do not live as long as those who interact with others on a regular basis.
It is so easy to lose contact with others as we pursue our daily responsibilities and activities in general. To regain contact, you might start with a telephone call to someone you know well, but haven't seen for awhile. Try to make a specific date to meet--for a walk, perhaps, or a cup of tea at a local café. Usually it is not difficult to reestablish a former relationship, but it may take a bit of an effort. Again, setting specific dates may be required, but it is really worth it to have a friend.
Another idea is to be a volunteer. Select an organization or service that you particularly admire--perhaps a childrens' service, or one for older adults--and donate some time each week. This is another way to make new acquaintances and to be with other people. Good luck!

I have hung it up! Now I can enjoy myself and not worry about problems that other people write to you. It's going to be great!
Sam W.

So you're retired? Family grown and left home? No more need to hear the alarm, face that dreadful commute, and put in long hours at the office. Now you can relax, watch as much TV as you wish, and just enjoy doing almost nothing. No need anymore to think, make tough decisions, and solve business problems, right? Wrong! In fact, there is now even more reason for you to continue to think and, even more important, to learn new things. At this point in your life, the term "use it, or lose it" becomes more significant than ever before.
Just as a reduction in physical activities quickly results in a loss of stamina necessary for physical fitness, a reduction in mental activity can have as great an impact on mental fitness--perhaps even greater. Mental
inactivity can result in memory loss, reduced awareness and attention to details, and a lack of concentration.
Until very recently, it was believed that loss of memory and brain function were just a natural part of aging, that brain cells were lost constantly and that nothing could be done to change this. Recent research now indicates
that the brain can grow and change at any age, and that learning something new can actually produce new brain cells and connections. The more the brain
is used, the better it works.

So turn off the TV, take up a new hobby, and find something mental that you
really enjoy, such as crosswords, puzzles, or cryptograms, perhaps. Also adopt a challenging physical regimen. For the best possible health, being active, both mentally and physically, is essential.
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Enjoy your retirement! But be sure to live a life that will allow you to continue to enjoy it for many years to come.

Some keys to staying mentally fit

I keep seeing and hearing the term "mental fitness" these days, especially in connection with older adults. What is it exactly? Why is it so important, and should I be concerned about it? Anna N.


Striving to attain mental fitness has to be the most important objective for anyone, but especially older adults. Mental fitness gives us heightened awareness and observation skills, better communication and concentration, helps us to accept challenges of existing problems as well as to solve them--in general, it helps us to be in charge of our own life.
Although most everyone has a high level of mental fitness when in charge of a family and an occupation, after retirement that level may have dropped because the need for such rigorous thinking is no longer there. Just as physical fitness is reduced if we don't have regular physical exercise, mental fitness is lost if we are not diligent about mental exercise.
Obviously to develop or improve mental fitness we must start at a level that is not too difficult. {After all, nobody starts a physical fitness program by running a marathon.} Sensory observation is a good place to begin a program for the improvement of mental fitness. Sensory observation simply means awareness using all five senses. For example, choose a common object that you often use, such as a paper clip. examine it closely using all senses--touch it, look at it , listen to it, smell and even taste it! {Making sure it's clean, of course} Some of your observations might be: silver, smooth, makes a noise when dropped on the table, odorless and tasteless. Remember however, that telling what it is used for is not a part of this exercise. How many observations can you make? Try for at least fifteen.
Also try this exercise with small edible things such as a pretzel stick, or a glass of sparkling water.
If you are persistent with this technique it will soon become a habit. You will be much more aware of your surroundings, noticing details of which you have never before been aware. This will improve your confidence and concentration. This result cannot be accomplished without effort. Mental exercise is not easy, but it is so rewarding if you are willing to work at it!
Of course, there is much more to mental fitness than improving your observational skills. Great benefits also arise from rigorous thinking and from learning something you never before knew. Learning a new language or hobby can be very beneficial. Recent research also indicates that crossword puzzles can help ward off or perhaps even prevent Alzheimers disease.
My advice to you, and to anybody else is to become involved in mental activities. Take care that the level of difficulty isn't too high or you may get discouraged. Start at an easy pace and work up. Try a number of different puzzles--crosswords, logic problems, cryptograms, acrostics, and any others which interest you. There are many puzzle books available these days. Many of them offer a large variety of kinds of puzzles. Find the types that you enjoy the most and see how far you can go with them.

Greetings All! I am so happy to be with you and hope that I may be able to help if you have a problem or a question. Just call me at the number listed at the end of the column, or send an e-mail.

Connie Lynch

DON’T LOSE YOUR MIND

Q: I know the Mind Works classes meet once a week, but how much more should people be doing on their own? Are we to be exercising our brains every day, and if so, for how long?

A: We all need to exercise mentally every day. For that matter, physically as well. Keeping our bodies and brains healthy and fit is the most important part of our lives, and to do that, exercise is essential.
The kinds of exercise can vary, however, depending upon the person, his or her likes, dislikes, and abilities. The amount of time spent must also vary, depending on individual responsibilities and activities.
For people who attend my classes, that possible problem is solved, somewhat. I always assign “homework”- by request, incidentally. It is a problem to solve or an activity to carry out. The amount of time spent varies, depending on each individual. Some people are likely to find it easier than will others. In any case, I try to choose something interesting, challenging, and above all, fun.
For others, find things that most interest you, and that you will pursue to the finish. Daily newspapers’ crosswords, crypto puzzles, and/or Jumbles are a place to start if you have not yet begun your mental exercise. If those do not get your interest whetted, try your local bookstore to find other options. There are usually many.
If puzzles of various kinds seem to be of little importance, consider your local adult education institution and a possible course that would interest you. Perhaps a new language would catch your attention. Such a class would involve meeting new people as well as sharing a new interest. Meeting new people is always important and should be a part of our life. Such interaction is stimulating and good for making the brain do some work.
Depending upon your physical exercise wishes, there is certainly a possibility that it may be combined with mental activity. For example, if you enjoy walking as a method of physical exercise, try paying close attention to the area in which you walk. Use all five of your senses as you follow your path. What do you see? Are there houses, flowers, or a road way? What do you hear? Cars and trucks cruising by, radios blaring, trains or airplanes in the distance—many usual noises in most neighborhoods. What did you feel? Is there a cool breeze, a bit of warm sun? Maybe you touched some tree bark, or some leaves on plants growing nearby. What did you smell and/or taste? Were there fragrant flowers close by? How about a fruit tree along the walkway?
As always, I will mention that walking with a friend will allow an interchange of questions and answers about things that you have observed. Different objects, sounds and odors are often observed by each person.
I hope that you can spend time every day paying close attention to happenings around you. The importance cannot be stressed too much.