Dear Reader,
We Finns, heavy users of mobile phones, are increasingly adopting automatized activities that do not necessarily promote the use of our brain capacity. We keep the phone numbers of our friends on the speed dials of our mobile phones. When shopping, we let machines read the bar codes in order to learn the prices of our groceries, and even in restaurants, we make machines sort out the maths. We take it for granted that there is a machine for everything – all we have to do is push a button. Many things and abilities that used to be considered virtues or special skills, such as being able to do fast mental arithmetic, write beautiful hand-written letters or having a good head for figures are things of the past.
A while ago, I stopped to give this matter some extra consideration, as I noticed that there were plans for a prototype of a car that would give an alert of approaching elk and deer, as well as oncoming traffic. The purpose of this invention is, in fact, to give us increased freedom from acts that are part of “normal” driving. These technical solutions have been developed with two basic principles in mind: increased safety and speed, and freedom for our brains to process “higher functions.” But what has really happened? I very much doubt whether we will be using that extra capacity for processing “higher functions.” I doubt whether we will be making a bigger effort than before to maintain these different skills.
It is true that psychologists have developed special programs to exercise our brains, such as mind mapping. It is also said that learning a new language is an excellent way to maintain our mental stamina, as well as keep dementia at bay. But people are inherently quite lazy. Do we really often bother taking up any new activities? I know some senior citizens who enjoy learning about computers; I also know some like to travel and learn languages as a hobby, and some are great readers and closely follow TV series. It is a completely different matter, however, how much of this can be seen as a systematic act of developing our brains. In reality, very few people exercise their brains in a conscious manner, even though most of us know that a huge number of brain cells die each day. Naturally, that must leave its mark on us. What is essential, then, is to give the remaining brain cells some active exercise.
Could it be that what has affected other aspects of our daily lives is affecting our brains as well? In the olden days, we used to walk or ride our bicycles to work; nowadays, we take the bus and make exercise a separate activity. In days past, we did mental arithmetic to figure out the sum total of our groceries or to memorize numbers; now we just push a button and expect a machine to perform. We give our brains a separate workout, if at all. Some people move about actively to satisfy their innate need for exercise. Similarly, some seem to make an effort to use their brains to satisfy their hunger for some food for thought. But what about most of us?
I cannot emphasize enough how important everyday use of the brain is, that is, utilizing our brain to the full in everyday activities in order to maintain the stamina of our remaining brain cells. Take your time to reminisce, discuss, count, write, look, observe and think! All these acts promote the basic functions of our brains and improve our memory.
There is much to be said for new technology, but at times it might be better to rely on the old ways. I am, therefore, strongly encouraging us all to start “reusing” our brains. This will guarantee a richer and better life for all of us who are not getting any younger.
Pirkko Lahti
President