By Lee Scott
There are numerous reports out today stating that seniors can stimulate their brains by completing crossword puzzles and playing games. These are called mental workouts and they push people to challenge themselves.
However, it has come to my attention that I will never have to do another crossword puzzle again to keep my brain functioning. All I have to do is drive a rental car, go into a new restaurant or use a public restroom.
Let me explain.
It happened recently with a rental car. Instead of a normal key, I was given a key fob. All I had to do was push a button to get the car started. Right away, I knew I would have to figure out where everything was in the car.
The radio was placed nicely in the dashboard as normal, however, the controls were on a panel between my driver’s seat and the passenger seat. That meant instead of glancing straight ahead to change the station, I would have to look down at buttons and figure out how to change the station. I challenged myself to set it up before I left the parking lot.
Crossword puzzle question: “What is a ten- letter word for frustrated?”
Answer: “Grrrrrrrrr!”
Then as I was driving away a voice said, “In one half mile take a left on Beach Road.” Oh dear, it was a navigation system. And she was talking over my newly programmed radio station giving me the weather update at precisely the same time. I pulled over and discovered the button controlling my radio, also had a NAV control switch. I shut her off.
Crossword puzzle question: “What is a three-letter word for navigational system?”
Answer: “Map.”
Next a stop is at a restaurant for lunch. There was obviously an automatic door, I know because it said, “automatic door.” But the question was: Do I walk right up to it and wait, or is there a button to push? Can I just push the door open?
Then there are the public restrooms. Are you familiar with those sinks where you are not sure if you are just supposed to stick your hands under the faucet for water or are you supposed to push a button? Same problem with the soap dispensers? And do not get me started on those air machines where you stick your hands in and watch as your skin starts to flap.
Yes, you can forget about the crossword puzzles. We now live in a world where automatic machines challenge us every day.
At this rate, my body will run out way before my mind.
