Meditation Improves Health, Brain Function of Seniors

Brain Use

A study at the University of Massachusetts Medical School found that people who meditate use a different part of their brain. The left frontal cortex has a calmer effect on the person. People who do not meditate tend to center their brain activity in one portion of the brain, the right front cortex. Those who meditate use the left side at that time and are more calm and happier afterwards. Those continually using the right side of the brain are more prone to stress, depression and anxiety. Stress and anxiety have a number of physical effects on people, such as high blood pressure which can result in stroke and heart attack. Those who meditate also have less activity in the area of the brain that processes fear.

Gray Matter

Gray matter in the brain affects the control that individual have over their motor skills. As a result, the more gray matter they have, the better their coordination. Those who meditate increase the amount of gray matter in the brain. According to several recent studies, seniors who meditate can halt the decline of gray matter. Gray matter also affects the amount of pain that someone experiences. As people age, the amount of gray matter they have deteriorates. As seniors age, they have more pain. By increasing the thickness of the layers in this area of the brain, the amount of pain meditating seniors experience lessens.

Meditation

When seniors meditate for a minimum of 20 minutes each day for three successive days, studies show that they have a higher pain tolerance. Learning how to meditate can improve senior health. This is something that is often taught in local community centers. It can also be taught by professionals with a home care agency. Meditation can be learned and practiced at the senior's home for those that are not mobile or are limited by transportation issues. Some home care companies provide services that include transportation, companionship and special activities designed to engage and stimulate the brain and the memory. This not only improves the quality of life for those receiving home care, but improves their health as well.

Author is a freelance writer. For more information on interimhealthcare.com home care companies please visit interimhealthcare.com interimhealthcare.com/