Mental computer workouts better for brain than video games

One healthy way to age gracefully is to keep that brain working as hard and long as possible each day. Cutting out hours of mind-numbing television shows in favor of brain workouts is probably a good idea for many of us at any age, but especially if you're over the 50 hump or even if you're just retired.

Last Friday, a new report stated that training the brain with a computer workout program may be better than computer games at staving off age-related mental decline. These newer computer "workouts" are from classic game makers like Nintendo and Mattel -- and they are based on studies showing that with a little training, older people can improve their brain power.

If this a hot new area on terms of game publishing? If the gaming industry really wants to tap a whole new marketplace beyond kids and twenty-somethings, this may be a great way to do that.