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Starting a writing challenge, making a photo album or a website, learning a new language, playing video games … There are plenty of original ways to have fun while supporting your brain health! 

 

  1. Making a photo album
  2. Starting a writing challenge with friends
  3. Designing a personal or professional website
  4. Learning a new language
  5. Playing video games 

 

1. Making a photo album

« Your life in pictures »

Creating a photo album is a fulfilling and stimulating project that gives you an opportunity to revisit fond memories while keeping your brain active. Many scientific studies have found a link between regularly participating in intellectually stimulating activities, like craft projects, and a reduced risk of developing cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. 

How do you get started? You already have just about everything you need! One way to start is by picking a broader theme or two, such as “my top 100 photos” or “my travels.” Then, it’s time to start going through your photos! How you sort your photos—by making piles or filing them in envelopes, for instance—is entirely up to you. You can also make a list of digital photos to print. This will keep you from getting sidetracked and ending up with a mountain of photos! 

 

2. Starting a writing challenge with friends

« Writing in the name of brain health  »

Getting together with friends to share your literary creations is an original activity that challenges the whole group. Writing involves concentrating, thinking, using your imagination, and exercising your memory – all of which activates multiple regions of the brain. Creating a text also requires at least a little research: looking up words in the dictionary, checking grammar rules, finding an evocative synonym, searching for an inspiring subject on the internet or in reference books, etc. 

Whether you’re a novice or more experienced, these informal writing projects can take many forms. For instance, you could write a short piece about your most unforgettable (or funniest!) memories, write a 20-line poem, or summarize a book you enjoy. What subject awakens the author in you? 

 

3. Designing a personal or professional website

« Tech hobbies as a brain workout ! »

A growing number of studies show an association between the use of new technologies and digital tools and good mental and cognitive health in adults and seniors. Why? Because technology is highly stimulating to the brain. You have to pay attention and understand and memorize processes so that you can apply them. 

If you’re a creative or entrepreneurial sort, designing your personal or professional website can be a great way to give your brain a workout. Web design is a skill you can learn at any age, and it’s easier than you might think. Thanks to all-in-one website creation tools (CMSs) such as Wix,* you can create and manage your website in just a few clicks. To learn more about creating a website or using a CMS, you can type keywords such as “create your website / tutorial / CMS / easy” into your search engine. 

 

4. Learning a new language

« Talk your way to healthy aging  »

Did you know that speaking multiple languages can slow brain aging? Any language will do—take your pick! Learning and practising a new language works your attention and memory, which can lead to improved focus in all kinds of life situations. Remember this key point: learning offers benefits throughout our lifetimes. 

According to a number of scientific studies, speaking a second language may even slow cognitive decline. Indeed, some studies have shown that symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease appear up to five years later in bilingual individuals than in unilingual individuals. 

 

5. Playing video games 

« Stimulating your brain is child’s play!  »

We all know that play is crucial during childhood because it promotes learning and brain development. But did you know that play also has its share of benefits as we age? Experts agree: playing games that require logic, problem-solving, visuospatial skills, or fast reaction times can lead to improvements in memory and attention. These types of activities may help prevent cognitive decline and various forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Try to limit yourself to 30–60 minutes of video games a few days a week. 

So, how do you choose a video game? Here are some suggestions, some of which have been tested by scientists:* Super Mario 64, Tetris, Banjo-Kazooie, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Crazy Taxi. With practice, they can be beneficial to your cognitive health. 

 

 

Regularly engaging in a variety of intellectually stimulating activities promotes brain health. Luckily, the possibilities are nearly endless! So, grab your photos, pencils, keyboard, or video games and get started! 

 

*Lucilab is not associated in any way with the developers of the products mentioned in this article and does not benefit from recommending them. Suggestions are based on a partial review of the options available on the market. Lucilab makes no warranty with respect to the recommendations made or products sold by these designers.