Doctors have always told us that keeping our bodies physically fit is an important part of overall well-being as we age, but keeping your brain in shape is an equally important part of living a healthy, vibrant life.
Why Is Brain Fitness Important?
Everyone experiences a gradual decline in memory, attention, concentration, language use, and other brain functions as they age. The older adult brain commonly learns shortcuts to make everyday tasks easier, making it more likely that individuals won’t use their brains in ways that sustain cognitive abilities. The average older brain actually shrinks because people don’t use it as much as they used to. When it comes to the brain you literally have to “use it or lose it,” and targeted cognitive exercises that meet specific scientific standards have been proven to be the most effective in improving memory and keeping the brain fit and active.
That’s why Capital Health Plan will soon offer brain fitness programs from Posit Science, the leading provider of clinically validated brain health products and services.
Posit Science InSight™
Beginning in January, CHP members who are aged 65 years or more will be able to order a software copy of InSight, a Posit Science program that is designed to speed up and sharpen visual processing and memory, important parts of overall brain fitness. There is no additional out-of-pocket cost for CHP members.
Posit Science works with more than 50 leading scientists from universities around the world to develop computer programs that give the brain a workout. Proven effective in dozens of published studies, Posit Science brain fitness programs improve memory, increase brain speed, and help people get the most out of life.
Clinical trials prove InSight helps older adults:
• Drive more safely—drivers can avoid collisions by almost 40% by cutting down on dangerous driving moves, such as unsafe lane changes
• Capture more visual details when scanning medication labels, traveling, house hunting, or doing any vision-rich task
• React more quickly when playing sports, walking in a crowded area, and other situations that require quick responses to visual information
Studies have also proven that InSight helps older adults maintain their health-related quality of life and prolong their ability to live independently, along with many other benefits.
How Do Posit Science Programs Work?
Experts used to believe that the adult brain was unchangeable, like a computer with all of its parts permanently welded together, but scientists now know that declines in cognitive abilities are not inevitable—or irreversible. The brain has the ability to physically change throughout a person’s life, even to grow new cells. This phenomenon, called brain plasticity, is how people learn and remember everything during their lives, from learning how to talk, to playing a musical instrument, to driving a car.
Posit Science programs exercise the brain and drive physical changes that create new neural pathways and connections. These positive changes can directly improve memory, attention, and other cognitive abilities.
Current members who are age 65 or older and who will be CHP members in 2009 may pre-register for the program by calling 1-877-582-1852, 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY/TDD users, please call 850-383-3534 or 1-800-955-8771.
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