Do you solve puzzles? Do your parents play Sudoku?

If the brain is engaged, it remains healthy and so does your body. A recent Statistics Canada report indicates that being socially active brings about great benefits for brain health. Studies have shown that on an average it is good if an older adult is socially active with seven or more people.

There are many ways to keep yourself socially engaged. It is important to find out what you enjoy most and engage in activities. You could participate in family or neighborhood activities; volunteer for a cause; attend courses such as computer course, a new language course or a recreational course; exercise or play a sport, cards or board game.

People think that the most important things for you to consider when trying staying healthy are healthy eating, good sleep and exercise. But keeping your brain healthy is as important if not more and that requires you to be socially active and engaged.

So ask yourself…. Is your brain active? Do you reach for the morning crossword? Do you play cards with your friends? Do you play scrabble with your wife? Do you remember old songs and poems and sing to yourself? Will you try to learn a new language? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, you are on the right track. If not, just begin today!