In the past decade, we have seen a growth of interest in and practice of brain fitness. With more and more positive findings from research conducted by scientists, people are becoming more intrigued by the idea of working out the brain. So, what will the next decade or beyond reveal about brain fitness? What type of trends will emerge due to the brain fitness phenomenon?
According to Sharp Brains’ Market Report titled The State of the Brain Fitness Software Market 2008, there are about 10 up-and-coming trends that we should be on the look-out for. In this article, I will detail some of those trends and also point out other trends that could emerge which were not found in their study.
One trend that will surely be on the rise is an enlarged interest in brain fitness. Their market report states that brain fitness courses and emphasis could possibly be seen in gyms, retirement communities and learning centers. With a higher interest in brain fitness, companies will definitely find a way to tap into that market. Pretty soon, brain fitness and brain health will become part of the common folk vernacular.
Hand in hand with the previously mentioned trend, could sports possibly embrace the idea of brain fitness? In most sports, it takes a great deal of talent, strength and coordination to be successful. But most of the qualities an individual needs to possess in order to be successful in sports come from having a strong and healthy brain. Therefore, perhaps we will see a burst in brain training within the sports world. Coaches may start adding brain training exercises to their daily work-outs.
A report states that brain fitness courses and emphasis could possibly be seen in gyms, retirement communities and learning centers.
This leads me to the next trend. Studies show that physical exercise produces optimistic results in brain fitness. Exercising your body, exercises the brain. We may conceivably see an increase in combined brain and physical exercises. According to Sharp Brains, we could possibly see a trend in brain fitness podcasts that can be played on an iPod during a work-out.
One fascinating trend brought up by Sharp Brains’ market report is the idea that brain fitness will be incorporated into the corporate world. Companies such as Chesapeake Energy in Oklahoma City, OK currently have a gym on their “campus” – as they call it. They also strongly encourage their employees to engage in physical exercise by creating incentives and providing the space and equipment to stay fit and healthy.
Perhaps we will see companies like Chesapeake Energy adding a brain fitness component to their health emphasis. They may provide brain fitness courses to their employees which is a benefit to both parties – strong and healthier brains equals smarter and more productive employees.
Finally, the more time that passes and the more studies that are conducted regarding brain fitness, the more scientists will learn about the brain and brain related diseases. Scientists will develop better forms of testing to examine and evaluate cognitive functions. They will also, hopefully, be able to detect symptoms at an earlier stage for conditions like Alzheimer’s and other brain related diseases.
