2. BrainHQ Program

One of the most exciting aspects of this course is that each of you will receive a license for BrainHQ, a cutting-edge brain training program. Here’s how we’ll be using it:

• Cognitive Exercises: BrainHQ offers a variety of exercises designed to enhance different aspects of cognitive functioning, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.

• Personalized Training: The program adapts to your performance, providing a personalized training experience that targets your specific needs.

• Tracking Progress: You'll be able to track your progress over time, which will help you see the improvements in your cognitive abilities.

Is it any wonder that there are many myths involving aging?  Which of these do you think is true?  And which are false?

Depression and loneliness are normal in older adults. 

False.  In fact, several studies indicate that depression and loneliness are more common in younger people than in older adults.  As older adults, we may find we have more time to reach out to others and to pursue activities that interest us.  When we were younger we had responsibilities that consumed our time.  Now we can use our times in ways we choose.

Older adults need more sleep than younger people.

False.  We may actually need less sleep as we get older.  But… we need sound sleep.  As we get older we may want to use strategies to help us get a good night’s sleep.  We will discuss this in a later lesson. 

Older adults cannot learn.

False.  The process of neurogenesis activates seed cells (stem cells) deep within our brains to create new neurons and facilitate learning.  Yes, these seed cells are in our brains for our entire lives.  We will discuss brain plasticity throughout this course, and you will come to see that your brain wants to learn. 

Older adults should take it easy and avoid exercise.

False.  The right amount and kind of exercise will improve balance and strength. Both balance and strength can help prevent falls, the number one cause of injury in older adults.

If a family member has Alzheimer’s, you will have it too.

False.  We can make lifestyle choices to optimize our brain health.

It is inevitable that older people will get dementia.

False.  We can make lifestyle choices to optimize our brain health.

If anyone tells you that you are doomed for cognitive decline, speak up.  This person is not aware of the latest research on brain plasticity and neurogenesis.   This person is not informed regarding brain healthy strategies and lifestyles. 

How can you reduce the chance of eyestrain or dry eye?  Take a break from looking at your computer screen every 15 to 30 minutes, even if just for a minute.  An easy way to remember this is to use the 20-20-20 rule: Take a 20-second break, every 20 minutes, to view something 20 feet away (Pawlak, 2017).  Do something else like getting up and moving around for a few minutes before going back to your exercises.  If you are getting headaches, consider checking into a prescription that is suited for computer use.  You may want to use artificial tears several times throughout the day.  Remind yourself to blink!  You need to blink to re-establish the tear film on the eyes—a thin layer of liquid that protects the surface of the eye.  At home, consider buying a matte screen filter to reduce glare on your screen.  Adjust the “View” on the screen (Zoom In) to make the font appear larger and easier to read.