Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, May 12, 1995 TAG: 9505120019
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ALMENA HUGHES
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Sixty-eight year old Schaie, pronounced ``Shy,'' maintains that the mind, just like muscles, responds to regular rigorous workouts. One reason some seniors seem senile is that they've let their cerebrums get soft.
In his article in the May issue of New Choices for Retirement Living magazine, Schaie cites his ongoing study of the mental acuity of some 5,000 men and women for more than three decades. He says he found that less than half of them - even those from age 74 to 81 - showed a decline in mental ability.
``You can maintain mental well-being by engaging in stimulating activities, continuing to make decisions and leading an active life,'' Schaie says.
He recommends playing bridge instead of bingo, blackjack instead of slot machines, watching TV news and informational programs rather than soap operas, and taking up word games like Scrabble or anagrams. He also suggests square dancing, which requires participants to follow intricate patterns chanted by the caller - and provides a physical workout.
So, if it's been awhile since you last exercised your encephalon, there's still hope.
We'd add, however, that none of this applies if the problem is not a fat brain, but a fat head.
by CNB