Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Healthy Mind and Body | Aging: The Value of Good Friends and Mahjong Madness!

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Moving to a new community always presents new challenges. Navigating unfamiliar territory, meeting new friends and even finding a new market can be scary for some! As we age, these types of challenges can be even more difficult and sometimes overwhelming.

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*photo thanks to pixabay* *** >Now, here I am in my 60’s in a new community and without family nearby! I realize I need to pay attention to a few things which would never have crossed my mind a few years ago! We all know about the importance of diet and exercise but how closely do you pay attention to these areas of your health? *** * Cognitive Stimulation * The Value of Good Friends ***

But Why? It’s never been a problem!

*** >I know, I have been deeply entrenched within the financial segment of corporate America for the past 40 years. There was little need to worry about whether or not I was mentally stimulated. In fact I was over-stimulated! Constant connection with people, working long hours each day definitely fed any need for cognitive learning or socialization! *I welcomed the time at home with family!* ***

But now…Cognitive decline?

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*image thanks to Pixabay* *** >Everyone has those “senior moments”! We laugh about it when we’re young, thinking surly it won’t happen to me. But it can! Memory loss can be frustrating but continuing to learn, stimulating the brain can help! Challenging the brain cells to talk to one another! Some cognitive decline may be due to illness and dementia, just taking advantage of these two strategies will certainly help

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*Simple Strategies like these :*

* Continue learning! Keep the brain active! Exercise it! Take classes, learn a new language. * Take up a new hobby! Painting? Cooking perhaps? ***

But I have friends…

New in town? How do you find friends your age? This can be tough, but well worth your effort! Socializing on a regular basis is crucial! As we age many seniors have a tendency to battle depression, lack of confidence and fears! Meeting new friends takes on a whole new meaning when you’re older. I know my friends were always the parents of my children’s friends! Easy right? Meet them at church, sporting and school events, a no-brainer. As a senior, crucial, on so many levels!

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*** >I have managed to meet wonderful people in the short time we have lived here. Cooking and blogging on Steemit, Book clubs, learning Spanish, taking watercolor classes and learning a new “Brain-game” keeps me pretty busy learning! ***

Mahjong

*Have you played Mahjong? Oh my goodness, are you in for a treat!*

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Mahjong is a tile-based game which originated in China during the Qing Dynasty. (18th century) This popular game quickly spread throughout the world. Typically Mahjong played with four people and a set of 144 beautiful tiles based upon Chinese characters and symbols. There are several versions of play within Asia as well as Western countries.

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Mahjong is a game of skill, strategy and calculation!

Players try to achieve a “winning hand” by receiving and discarding tiles during play. Official Mahjong cards are published each year. These cards establish the winning hands for that year. [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahjong)

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Talk about Cognitive stimulation!

Let me tell you, the first time I played I left with a major headache, lol! The game moves at a fast pace, especially if you are playing with seasoned players! It hasn't driven me mad yet but we do have fun! There are lots of laughs, and of course food!

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*** >What a great day! This is just one of many opportunities to continue learning! Socializing, exchanging ideas and learn from one another is so valuable! If you have older friends, neighbors and family members take a few moments to encourage them! Perhaps attend a function with them, help them become more comfortable! Then they’ll fly! (And thank you for it later!) *** So glad you stopped by today...

And keep on Learning!

*As always, blessings to you all!*

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Originally posted here: https://steemit.com/powerhousecreatives/@birdsinparadise/healthy-mind-and-body-or-aging-the-value-of-good-friends-and-mahjong-madness

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