Much has been written lately about the importance of keeping the elderly mentally active. Not only is it supposed to delay the onset of dementia, but it also has physical benefits as well. Two days ago I gave my MIL a book of brain teasers and mental exercises and asked her to attempt the puzzles and mind exercises for the next two weeks. She normally doesn’t engage in these types of activities despite my suggestions. I told her it would give her something to do with her home health aide. She readily accepted the book, Rodale’s new Brainpower Game Plan, and immediately began to read it. About 45 minutes later she looked at me and asked, “Am I an experiment? Am I being used a guinea pig?” I replied that was not the case—the book is intended for adults of all ages—that it might be interesting to see what she can do and maybe she would end up feeling sharper and able to focus more. My MIL said “OK” and went back to reading. I hope she attempts some of the puzzles. If nothing else it will make her day go faster and keep her mentally engaged in something other than the TV set. I’ll let you know how the experiment…oops, I mean exercise goes.