Maximizing the Brain

Philip Raphael
South Delta Leader, Community
April 22, 2005

South Delta – Regular aches and pains aside, getting older doesn't necessarily have to mean getting slower... at least mentally.

That's the point Guy Pilch, who bills himself as a mental fitness consultant, is hoping to get across at a talk he is giving April 26 at Kennedy House Recreation Centre (11760-88 Ave.)

Pilch, a counsellor with degrees in psychology who has also done research on aging at the University of Victoria, told the South Delta Leader that remaining mentally sharp through a person's declining years-from middle age onwards-is attainable and can be accomplished by employing some simple, easy-to-use techniques.

“It could be as easy as driving to work by using a new and different route, learning a new dance routine, developing a new hobby, or doing your job in a new, fresh way,” Pilch said.
Whatever form your “brain training” workout takes on, variety is key.

“Brains love to be challenged, continually stimulated,” explained Pilch, adding that just as physical fitness is important for an aging body, mental exercises should be a part of a routine to keep your brain at its optimum working level.

“A lot of people can tend to go on autopilot, but it's really important that we challenge ourselves and be open to new ideas,” he said.

During the talk Pilch said he will outline more in-depth ways of avoiding those seniors' moments that some people brush off as just the inevitability old age creeping up on them.

In addition to the speaking engagement at Kennedy House, Pilch conducts afternoon and evening workshops, starting May 10, on mental fitness.