Games, Puzzles & IQ Tests

Since I don’t have much personal experience with real video games, let me defer to guest author Mary Ward who has some suggestions for brain games on the Wii. Here she goes:

When it comes to brain function, the old adage “use it or lose it” is particularly true. We’re learning that staying “brain fit” as we age is largely under our control. Keeping your mind sharp and your memory intact requires regularly using and challenging your brain. Studies have shown that many people have a marked decrease in brain cognition the first year after retirement from their career. It’s important to note that the reduction in brain function associated with retirement is not related to the age at which you retire, but simply to retirement itself. This shows a pretty clear relationship between reduction in use of the brain and a reduction in brain function.

There are several tools you can use to improve brain function and memory at any age. And, believe it or not, one of the best tools is playing games! There are plenty of simple games like chess and bridge that are great for maintaining brain function, but if higher tech games are more your cup of tea, playing Nintendo’s Wii is a great tool, too. Here are six Wii games that can sharpen your mind and memory.

• Safecracker – Safecracker is a tough game to beat – one you almost certainly can’t beat in just a few settings. In fact, it’s recommended that you play this one with a memory card loaded, so that you don’t lose your work from session to session. In Safecracker, your challenge is to crack 35 safes located within a mansion. It’s tough, and it requires memory and logic.
• Hooked – This is a great fishing game that requires the mental skill of real fishing without a trip to the bait shop. You can fish on your own or use tournament mode to participate in fishing tournaments.
• Bowling – Bowling requires a great combination of mental and physical coordination. Wii Sports Bowling is a great way to bowl- but requires a bit less physical agility than real bowling, making it a great game for young and old alike.
• Lotus Flame – Located in the “Balance Games” on the Wii Fit, this game requires focus and concentration. You simply focus on the flame. Moving or shifting your focus causes the flame to go out. Seeing how long you can keep the flame burning is a great way to improve your concentration and it’s a great way to relax, too.
• Mario Kart – A little go cart racing requires concentration and improves your ability to react quickly. When racing others, you’ll have to stay alert to win the race and avoid a crash.
• Tiger Woods PGA Tour – Just like a game of regular golf, this game requires mental concentration and a bit of physical agility, too

.

Of course, playing video games is no substitute for getting out and enjoying life. However, on those days when you can’t get out, and on a quiet evening at home, playing Wii is a great way to stay alert, focused and sharp.

Mary Ward blogs about various health care job issues, including how to study to obtain a
degree from ultrasound technician schools.

Tags: brain fitness, brain games, brain training, mind games, wii games

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.