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Try Playing Devil’s Advocate

You work your brain when you consider another way of thinking

By

Staying Sharp

Updated May 06, 2024

Updated May 06, 2024

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Fanatic Studio/Gary Waters/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images

Quick Win

Strengthen your reasoning skills by seeing a different viewpoint.

Try This Today

Think of an issue supported by a political party you oppose. Some categories to consider are health care, taxes, immigration, voter ID laws, education and the environment.
Do some internet searches, seeking credible sites, to educate yourself on why the other party supports this issue.
Jot down a few bullet points that you can agree with regarding the other party’s point of view.
Have a friendly conversation with friends, preferably ones with opposite political views, and ask them why they see this issue the way they do.
Challenge yourself to make an argument for supporting this issue.

Why

Learning new things stimulates your brain. Thus, considering another point of view can make you see something from another angle and may strengthen your reasoning skills in the process. AARP’s Global Council on Brain Health, in its 2017 report, “Engage Your Brain,” explained that cognitively stimulating activities over the life course provide benefits for brain health. They referred to engaging in formal or self-initiated informal educational activities, continuing to engage in work experiences, learning a new skill or engaging in mentally challenging leisure activities, such as music, board games and video games.

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Legal Disclaimer: Staying Sharp, including all content and features, is offered for informational purposes and to educate users on brain health care and medical issues that may affect their daily lives. Staying Sharp is based on a holistic, lifestyle approach to brain health that encourages users to incorporate into their daily lives activities that are associated with general wellness. Nothing in the service should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Features including the Cognitive Assessment and Lifestyle Check-Ins, Additional Tests, exercises, and challenges assess performance at a particular moment in time on certain discrete cognitive tasks. Staying Sharp games are intended for entertainment and recreational purposes only. Various factors may affect performance, including sleep, tiredness, focus, and other social, environmental, or emotional factors. Performance is not indicative of cognitive health and not predictive of future performance or medical conditions.

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