By Anonymous health expert.
He sat quietly on the old wooden bench in front of his house, hands resting on his walking stick, eyes watching the road like he was expecting someone. His grandchildren played around him, occasionally throwing a glance his way. “Grandpa, please say something,” one of them finally said. He smiled, nodded, but said nothing.
To many people, older folks who talk too much are seen as a nuisance. Their stories are often brushed aside as “tales of the past.” But what if those stories, those words, are actually a lifeline, not just for the young listeners, but for the elders themselves?
Medical experts now say that senior citizens who talk more may be doing the best possible thing for their health,particularly their memory. In fact, talking could be the most powerful weapon retirees have against diseases like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
According to doctors, there is currently no scientifically proven way to fully prevent memory loss. But there is one very effective approach to delay its onset,talk more, and talk often. Here’s why:
1. It Activates the Brain
When seniors talk, especially quickly or while trying to tell stories or express emotions, their brain kicks into high gear. Language and thought interact, sharpening memory, speeding up thinking, and keeping the mind agile.
In contrast, seniors who rarely speak or engage in conversations are more at risk of memory decline.
“Every time an elderly person shares a story, a part of their brain lights up,” says Dr. Hadiza Ibrahim, a neuropsychologist based in Abuja. “It’s like jogging, but for the mind.”
2. It Eases Emotional Burdens
Life can become lonely after retirement. Children grow up, friends pass on, and the body slows down. Many seniors suffer in silence, holding on to stress, regret, or unspoken fears.
Talking helps release these emotional weights. Whether it’s chatting with a neighbor, telling old war stories to a grandchild, or joining a church discussion group—each word spoken is like therapy.
“The heart can grow heavy when the mouth is silent,” notes Dr. Felix Ojo, a community health physician in Lokoja. “Talking lifts that weight.”
3. It Exercises the Body Too
Believe it or not, talking isn’t just good for the brain—it helps the body too. Speaking regularly exercises the muscles of the face and throat, strengthens the lungs, and even helps prevent issues like dizziness (vertigo), hearing problems, and even weakened vision over time.
“Seniors who speak regularly tend to have clearer speech, better hearing, and more alert eyes,” says Dr. Ojo.
Health Tips for Senior Citizens
If you’re over 60, here are some practical ways to put this advice into action:
Talk daily: Make conversation a habit. Speak with family, friends, neighbors—even if it’s just about the weather or yesterday’s news.
Join a group: Attend community meetings, religious study groups, or hobby clubs. Interaction is key.
Tell your story: Your life is a book of lessons. Share it. Grandchildren love hearing them. So do younger friends and community members.
Avoid isolation: Don’t spend all day alone or in silence. Even radio call-ins or storytelling shows can stimulate your mind.
Encourage others to listen: Ask your family to be patient and listen when you speak. Let them know it’s not just talk—it’s health care.
A Word to Families
It’s time we changed how we view our elders when they start to talk “too much.” Instead of seeing it as an irritation, we should see it as prescription-free medicine—for memory, mental health, and emotional well-being.
So next time Grandpa speaks up, don’t wave him off. Don’t say, “Not now, Baba.”
Instead, lean in and say:
“Grandpa, please… say something.”
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
