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While physical ageing is unavoidable, cognitive ageing isn’t. Keeping a sharp mind and memory can be obtained through effective cognitive programming. Our brain is our strongest asset. As we get older many people fall into the trap of thinking that it cannot be changed. Sometimes we blame our genetics for the shortages we are feeling, other times we blame our childhood for creating a learning gap. What if we told you that your brain can change, no matter how old you are?
It is never too late!
As we age, we often lament that we can’t process information as quickly as before, that we can’t remember the critical things we had lined up for the day, and that staying focused takes more effort. We ask, “Why is that word on the tip of the tongue so elusive?” We may find ourselves in front of the computer with the search engine open, looking blankly at the screen as we struggle to remember what we sat down to search for…
As we age, our brains age with us, performing less efficiently. Things we did automatically take more time and effort. What if we could keep our brains honed and sharp as we age?
We make resolutions at the start of each new year to go to the gym to enhance our physical well-being, so why not our brains, they govern everything. An ageing brain doesn’t have to mean a declining capacity. Keeping brains active throughout the senior years means core functions can stay strong, the brain loves a challenge and cognitive reserve can be built.
As we age, our brains age with us, performing less efficiently. Things we did automatically take more time and effort. What if we could keep our brains honed and sharp as we age?
We make resolutions at the start of each new year to go to the gym to enhance our physical well-being, so why not our brains, they govern everything. An ageing brain doesn’t have to mean a declining capacity. Keeping brains active throughout the senior years means core functions can stay strong, the brain loves a challenge and cognitive reserve can be built.
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Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s plasticity, which is its ability to change its physical structure and its functional organisation in response to training and new experiences.
The amazing thing about our brain's ability to change - it never ends. At any time in our lives, from early grades in school to our senior years, neuroplasticity can be harnessed. Significant improvements can be made, profoundly changing the quality of our lives - at any age.
The amazing thing about our brain's ability to change - it never ends. At any time in our lives, from early grades in school to our senior years, neuroplasticity can be harnessed. Significant improvements can be made, profoundly changing the quality of our lives - at any age.
How can I improve my brain?
Welcome to the Arrowsmith Program! Research into neuroplasticity informs us it is possible to keep our brains sharp over our lifespan. Structural and functional changes occur in our brains as a result of stimulation and experience, as long as we are alive. The Arrowsmith Program has understood and applied these principles for over 45 years to enhance cognitive functioning.
A recent study by UNSW's Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) has shown that online lifestyle interventions can significantly enhance cognition in older adults. One key area was online brain training. Participants aged 55-77 saw notable improvements in memory, reasoning, and information processing speed.
We have seen outstanding improvement in our retirees who have participated in our Independent Brain Cognition Program.
A recent study by UNSW's Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) has shown that online lifestyle interventions can significantly enhance cognition in older adults. One key area was online brain training. Participants aged 55-77 saw notable improvements in memory, reasoning, and information processing speed.
We have seen outstanding improvement in our retirees who have participated in our Independent Brain Cognition Program.
Testimonies
Meet Frank - a successful entrepreneur. However at 73 years of age, he had started to notice slippage. “I had to admit to myself, reluctantly,” he says, “that my memory had got much worse and my analytical capacities had deteriorated. My thinking had become fuzzy and less inclined to follow a thought through to its conclusion. Taking in new data was getting more difficult, reading took longer, and concentrating required more effort. On a scale from one to 10 (10 being my best in life), I had declined to a seven or an eight – and I am perhaps being kind to myself”.
So, to deal with his own gradual but perceptible decline in mental acuity, Frank decided to enroll in the Arrowsmith Cognitive Enhancement Program. Frank feared that boredom would set in. “I couldn’t have been more surprised,” he says. “The exercise draws you in. You are constantly trying to beat your last record and as you get better, you enjoy the progress as you notice your brain functioning better, which is a great motivator.” After a couple of months, Frank observed changes. His ability to follow and express ideas sharpened and in discussions, he felt calmer and more willing to consider other ideas and proposals. And he took on some challenging projects that he would otherwise have resisted.
“My advice for older people like myself who want to keep their brain functioning in the best possible way despite the natural ageing process is definitely to try the Arrowsmith Program. It is not difficult to stay motivated and it brings amazing results. I am grateful every day for this opportunity, which has allowed me to improve my mental capacity and I see the improvement from week to week. The most dramatic and transformative” of all the changes – “an increased joie de vivre that permeates all aspects of my life. No struggle anymore to get up and go in the morning. While before I had to convince myself to look forward to the day optimistically, now it is my default mood. In addition, and this qualifies most clearly as a personality change, I am becoming more social. I start conversations with people – in the gym, for example, whereas before a quick ‘hello’ would suffice. I find it quite remarkable that even at my age this type of profound change is still possible.”
So, to deal with his own gradual but perceptible decline in mental acuity, Frank decided to enroll in the Arrowsmith Cognitive Enhancement Program. Frank feared that boredom would set in. “I couldn’t have been more surprised,” he says. “The exercise draws you in. You are constantly trying to beat your last record and as you get better, you enjoy the progress as you notice your brain functioning better, which is a great motivator.” After a couple of months, Frank observed changes. His ability to follow and express ideas sharpened and in discussions, he felt calmer and more willing to consider other ideas and proposals. And he took on some challenging projects that he would otherwise have resisted.
“My advice for older people like myself who want to keep their brain functioning in the best possible way despite the natural ageing process is definitely to try the Arrowsmith Program. It is not difficult to stay motivated and it brings amazing results. I am grateful every day for this opportunity, which has allowed me to improve my mental capacity and I see the improvement from week to week. The most dramatic and transformative” of all the changes – “an increased joie de vivre that permeates all aspects of my life. No struggle anymore to get up and go in the morning. While before I had to convince myself to look forward to the day optimistically, now it is my default mood. In addition, and this qualifies most clearly as a personality change, I am becoming more social. I start conversations with people – in the gym, for example, whereas before a quick ‘hello’ would suffice. I find it quite remarkable that even at my age this type of profound change is still possible.”
"I did the clock's program as a retired participant and I have noticed that my concentration on tasks has greatly improved as well as my word recall. My friends and family have noticed the same. Kylie's encouragement and enthusiasm helped me to remain focused and continue when one time I felt very discouraged because I was very slow with the Clock's exercises" Participant - Age 69
"I feel I am sharpher remembering names and dates. Consequently, I feel more confident." - Participant - Age 69
"My reaction and concentration times have improved. I enjoyed the program. Kylie and Brenton are encouraging, very knowledgeable and always available to answer queries." Participant - Age 79
"I feel I am sharpher remembering names and dates. Consequently, I feel more confident." - Participant - Age 69
"My reaction and concentration times have improved. I enjoyed the program. Kylie and Brenton are encouraging, very knowledgeable and always available to answer queries." Participant - Age 79
Fun Fact!The brain is better than a muscle – once a cognitive function has been enhanced through targeted exercise, it maintains its gains!
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