Did you know using an abacus for adults can reduce the risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and even schizophrenia? No? I didn’t either. Like many, I thought an abacus was just an ancient calculator for kids to learn basic math. That’s why I bought one for my nephew.
However, a visit to an old-age home a few months ago completely changed my perspective. I was accompanying a friend to visit his great-aunt, who had early symptoms of dementia. What I didn’t expect was to discover an entire facility dedicated to elderly residents with memory-related conditions like Alzheimer’s. The place was clean and lively, with colorful posters, indoor plants, and activity tables. But what caught my attention most was the grandpas and grandmas enthusiastically using abaci!
As it turns out, the therapists there prescribed regular abacus classes to help reduce symptoms of cognitive impairments. Unbelievable, right? Yet it’s true. Recent research supports the idea that using an abacus for adults can improve memory and cognitive function in older individuals.
So, can adults learn to use the abacus? Absolutely, YES! And it’s not just for those with memory-related conditions; practicing with an abacus is a great way for anyone to keep their brain young, active, and healthy.
If you’re curious about what an abacus is and its benefits for kids, be sure to check out our other blogs.
Why Abacus for Adults is Worth Learning ?
There are several reasons why you should learn using this counting frame. Let’s go through them one-by-one and find out.
1. Learning Abacus is a Good Mental Exercise
You might have always heard people say kids have the sharpest brain. Young children have a deeper concentration level, sharp memory, and focused minds than adults. I don’t know about you, but I found this piece of information very strange. Aren't kids always distracted? You ask them to eat cookies and sometimes, they even end up eating dirt instead. Well, to my surprise, a research paper published in the journal of Psychological Science has proven it wrong. Now, I guess we don’t have any other option other than to agree that your 5-year-old is smarter than you. But, have you ever wondered if we are so brainy at a young age, what goes wrong as we grow up? In other words, how do we end up like Georgie when we were clearly born as Sheldon? Here’s what I think we do: we stop exercising our brain. We eat nutritious food, drink clean water, exercise, take sunshine, breath fresh air, and whatnot to keep our physical bodies healthy and active. But what do you do to keep your brain active and young? It’s okay. I know you don’t have many answers because I don’t. So, here’s a suggestion for you–learn how to use an abacus. Doesn’t matter if you’re 23 or 73, book your abacus classes right now. Remain active; remain strong! Even if it’s your brain we are talking about.
2. Abacus Trained Adults Calculate Faster
Let’s be honest. We all have that embarrassing moment at grocery stores when the shopkeeper calculates faster than you. And, what do we do? We keep struggling to take out our phone and calculate the basic addition and subtraction of our monthly grocery bill, while the shopkeeper judgingly stares at us. Ironically, this has happened to me so many times that I would need my phone calculator to count. But the good news is, you can change this using an abacus. How do I know? Because things have been good for me, since I took abacus classes for adults. Now, I calculate faster than my accountant. Just kidding. Honestly, though, now I calculate faster than before. Therefore, I suggest you learn how to use an abacus. It will help you get faster in calculating your day-to-day expenses. Be it filing taxes, trading, or your bill; you can literally count everything on your fingertips with your abacus skills.
3. Using An Abacus Enhances the Sense of SatisfactionAbacus Enhances
Sometimes, when I think of my aging father, a Wordsworth quotation comes to my mind: “The child is the father of the man". And the reason is nothing philosophical like you’re thinking. I am sorry. It’s that he behaves like a child nowadays, making me act like his parent. Sometimes, he won’t take the medicine; sometimes, he wants to take a bath on a chilly winter morning. Dear readers, don’t get me wrong. Don’t you think people become more childish as they grow old? They begin to throw tantrums and sometimes, it’s like they are unsatisfied with every aspect of their lives. Unlike what you’re thinking, it’s pretty common in elderly people. To my surprise, there is indeed a scientific explanation why our aging relative is so grumpy. Although there’s no direct cure for that other than therapy or counseling, you can also try abacus for adults. Elderly folks with or without any cognitive ailment show improvement in degree of participation, usability, and satisfaction after using abacus. A research on elderly folks who were and weren’t suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease has concluded that they show improvement after taking regular abacus classes. In simple words, your grumpy old man will feel more satisfied with life when practicing abacus regularly. In addition to that, they will become more eager to participate in various activities and function better than usual. So, when there are so many benefits to using an abacus, why not enroll your elderly family member today itself?
4. Practicing Abacus With Fingers Increases Blood Circulation
Thanks to the rise of apps! Many use virtual abacuses to practice. Even though it’s a convenient option, I suggest otherwise for adults. Do not use any app or website to learn how to use the abacus. I recommend using a physical abacus frame for better results. There are different types of abacus in the market. Although soroban and the modern abacus are the most popular ones, you can pick anything of your choice. Go ahead and pick any type of abacus you want. But buy a physical frame with beads. While using an abacus when you will operate the beads with your fingers, your fingertips will get stimulated. Therefore, enhancing your blood circulation.
Where to Find Abacus Classes For Adults?
1. Whoa! Before writing this article
I never knew abacus benefits adults in so many different ways. Especially the fact that it can increase the satisfaction level in life. Isn’t it intriguing and tempting at the same time! If you also want to keep exercising your adult mind and live a satisfied, active life, book an abacus course today.
2. Are you wondering which class would be suitable for you?
Don’t you worry. I have your back. I understand it’s difficult to trust instructors as adults. But, trust me. You will find the perfect match at EnthuZiastic. Be it your parents, grandparents, or yourself; Enthu courses are suitable for every abacus enthusiast. You can go through the list of abacus experts and pick an instructor you find suitable. Remember, the courses will be customized according to your demands and needs. Oh and I mustn’t forget to tell you how we love elderly folks at EnthuZiastic.
3. As a matter of fact
We also have a grandparents club dedicated to the elderly age-group. Therefore, gift a course subscription to your elderly relative without any delay.
Read more about Abacus
FAQs
1) Can adults learn soroban?
Yes, adults can definitely learn soroban. In fact, soroban will be the most appropriate abacus frame for adults to learn. On top of that, this Japanese abacus is also the most effective tool available in the market. If you’re thinking of learning how to use a soroban, please begin your journey without any doubt.
2) Which type of abacus is best?
I think the modern suanpan or the soroban, is the best type of abacus available in the market. Earlier, there were several types of abacus available in different parts of the world. While in China, suanpan was the most popular one; schoty was used commonly in Russia. But in modern times, the ineffective ones disappeared from the market. Currently, the soroban and the abacus for children with 10 vertical rods are the most popular ones.
3) I'm 21 and I want to learn to use an abacus. Is it too late for me, since kids are usually taught at the ages of 5-12?
No, it’s not late at all. Although it’s true that to gain the most out of abacus learning, it’s best to enroll as early as possible. But that doesn’t mean adults can’t learn. Remember, where there’s a will, there’s a way. On the other hand, abacus is all about practice. If you can spend enough time, you’re going to master it in no time. You can also learn abacus mental math.
4) How long would it take for an adult to develop a mental abacus?
If you’re thinking about weekend classes, it will take around three to four months to reach the initial stage of mental math.
Conclusion
When it comes to abacus learning, remember, age is just a number. If you have the childlike curiosity to learn new things and have the dedication to spare ample amounts of time for practice; you are the perfect person to receive abacus training. Please go ahead and enroll in abacus classes for adults. I hope I have answered your question and cleared your doubts. Please let me know in the comments section. All the best for your abacus journey!
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