Our brain is just like a muscle and it thrives on exercise. Moreover, it is the fastest-aging organ in the body. Studies show that brain volume naturally decreases with age due to neuronal loss, starting as early as your late 20s or 30s. This process accelerates over time, leading to a decline in cognitive functions such as memory, processing speed, and decision-making.

However, there is a way to counter it. Neurologists across the world agree that frequently playing brain games can prevent brain ageing. Backing them up is research showing that brain-training games may help improve attention levels, memory, response time, logic skills, and other measures of cognitive function if played over a long period.

And the good news is that these brain games are affordable and easily accessible to all. you just need a pen and paper for sudoku and the same goes on for crosswords. However, if you are someone who is up for a high-tech, options for brain games are plentiful.

To give your brain a workout while having fun, try these games and activities:

Sudoku

Sudoku is a great exercise to stimulate your neurons. A numbers-based puzzle game that works on your short-term memory. Completing a Sudoku puzzle involves planning and foresight—if a 6 goes in one box, another box must hold an 8, and so on. This process enhances short-term memory and concentration. You can play Sudoku online, through apps, or on paper. Check your daily newspaper, buy a puzzle book, or download a free app for access. Sudoku puzzles come in various difficulty levels. Beginners should start with easy puzzles to learn the rules. If playing on paper, use a pencil to allow for corrections.

Crosswords

Crosswords are a timeless brain-training tool, engaging verbal language and memory across various knowledge domains. You can find crosswords in newspapers, specialized books, or online platforms. Apps and websites offer a range of puzzles, often tailored to skill level. For example, AARP's website provides free daily crossword puzzles, accessible to everyone.

Elevate

Elevate focuses on reading, writing, speaking, and math skills, offering customized training. Progress tracking lets you monitor improvements. Elevate's app, featuring 35+ games, is highly rated on iOS and Android.

Peak

Peak is a mobile game that offers brain games targeting focus, memory, problem-solving, and mental agility. Competitive features let you compare scores with other users.

Happy Neuron

Happy Neuron is another game that organizes its games into memory, attention, language, executive functions, and visual/spatial categories. Training is personalized, and progress tracking is available. While a subscription is required, a free trial lets you explore its offerings. The app is available only for Android users.

Braingle

Braingle Teaser claims the world's largest brain teaser collection, with over 15,000 puzzles, games, and community features. From optical illusions to trivia, Braingle offers diverse mental challenges.

Queendom

Queendom features personality tests, puzzles, and "brain tools" for cognitive improvement. Free accounts provide limited access, while full reports require payment.

My Brain Trainer

My Brain Trainer offers an online "brain gym" with games and puzzles to boost mental fitness. It recommends 10 minutes of training twice a day. Subscription plans are more affordable than similar platforms and free trials are available.

In the wake of a young doctor from Chandigarh accusing a well-known private hospital of unnecessarily admitting patients to Intensive Care Units (ICUs), it is imperative to understand who truly requires critical care.

In a widely shared video posted on the social media platform Instagram, Dr Prabhleen Kaur alleged that the hospital is making the patients remain admitted in the ICU for as long as possible to mint money.

The doctor did not mention the name of the hospital. And HealthandMe could not independently verify the details and the authenticity of the post.

However, the incident reignited concerns over accountability, patient safety, and standards of care in the country.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Sachna Shetty, Consultant Emergency Medicine at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, said that: "ICU admissions are for patients with life-threatening conditions needing intensive support".

"This includes shock, respiratory failure, neurological emergencies, cardiac issues, and multi-organ dysfunction," the doctor added.

What Is ICU? Who Needs Critical Care?

The NHS UK explains that intensive care units (ICUs) are specialist hospital wards that provide treatment and monitoring for people who are very ill.

They're staffed with specially trained healthcare professionals and contain sophisticated monitoring equipment.

Also called critical care units (CCUs) or intensive therapy units (ITUs), it is required in cases where a person is seriously ill and requires intensive treatment and close monitoring.

Most people in an ICU have problems with one or more organs. For example, they may be unable to breathe on their own. Some common reasons include:

• a serious accident
• a serious short-term condition
• a serious infection
• a major surgery.

"It is not for stable patients, those needing observation, end-stage disease with no reversible cause, or those refusing aggressive care" Dr. Shetty said.

"ICU beds are limited, reserved for those who'll benefit most. Decisions are time-sensitive, based on triage and clinical scoring. It's about who needs advanced life support, not just who looks critical. Fair use of resources is key," the doctor added.

ICU Admissions: What India’s Guidelines Say

India’s ICU admission guidelines—issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in January 2024 — clearly defines who should and should not be admitted to an ICU. According to the guidelines:

• ICU admissions must be based on the severity of organ failure and the necessity for organ support or in anticipation of a potential deterioration in the patient's medical condition.
• Hospitals cannot admit critically ill patients in ICU in case of refusal by them and their relatives.
• ICU is not recommended in cases where there is no treatment possible or available, and if the continuation of therapy is not going to make an impact on the outcome, especially survival.
• Anyone with a living will or advanced directive against ICU care should not be admitted to ICU.
• Low priority criteria in case of a pandemic or disaster situation, where there is resource limitation, should be taken into account for keeping a patient in the ICU.
• Blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, breathing pattern, heart rate, oxygen saturation, urine output and neurological status among other parameters should be monitored in a patient awaiting an ICU bed

The criteria for ICU admission includes:

1. patients with altered level of consciousness,
2. hemodynamic instability,
3. need for respiratory support,
4. patients with acute illness requiring intensive monitoring
5. organ support or any medical condition or disease with anticipation of deterioration.

Guidelines For ICU Discharge Criteria In India

The guidelines stress the importance of physiological parameters returning to near-normal or baseline status.

Furthermore, reasonable resolution and stability of the acute illness that led to ICU admission are essential factors.

Patient and family agreement for ICU discharge, particularly in cases where a treatment-limiting decision or palliative care is opted for, is also highlighted.

Modern lifestyle changes are contributing towards the rising neurological problems among young adults, said health experts today on World Health Day 2026.

World Health Day is observed annually on April 7 to mark the founding day of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948 for public health worldwide. World Health Day 2026 will be observed under the theme “Together for health. Stand with science.”

The health experts noted that conditions such as recurrent headaches, mild weakness, strokes, and spine disorders were traditionally more common among older adults. However, modern lifestyle changes—sedentary habits, unhealthy diets, chronic stress, and increased screen time—are now driving a surge of these neurological problems among younger populations.

“The surge in neurological conditions today is not just a clinical challenge, but a reflection of how rapidly our lifestyles are evolving. We are seeing younger patients presenting with serious issues like stroke and spine disorders, conditions that were once more age-associated. This shift makes it imperative to recognize that neurological health is closely linked to everyday habits, stress, and timely medical attention,” Dr. Gaurav Sharma, Senior Consultant - Neurology, Paras Health Panchkula, told HealthandMe.

Neurological Disorders: Silent Onset

The health experts emphasized that the threat of neurological disorders is surging silently. The conditions, ranging from recurrent headaches and mild weakness to strokes and spine disorders, often show no noticeable symptoms in the early stage.

As a result, these go unnoticed until advanced stages, which makes the role of early detection and preventive care more crucial.

“Neurological disorders often progress silently, and by the time symptoms become severe, the condition may already be advanced. One of the biggest challenges we face today is the lack of awareness around subtle early signs, whether it is recurrent headaches, mild weakness, or persistent back issues, which are frequently overlooked or ignored,” Dr. Ritu Jha, Director & HOD - Neurology, Sarvodaya Hospital Sector -8, Faridabad, told HealthandMe.

Health specialists stressed the need to boost early detection, preventive care, and lifestyle modifications to protect brain and nerve health.

They called for changing the mindset from reactive to proactive care. Early identification of symptoms and prompt intervention can dramatically alter outcomes. They recommended:

• timely check-ups,
• awareness of warning signs,
• regular exercise,
• balanced nutrition,
• stress management.

Advancement In Neurological Care

With the progress in precision-driven and minimally invasive neurosurgery, we are now better equipped than ever to treat complex conditions effectively, provided patients seek care at the right time.

“Today’s advanced surgical techniques allow us to operate with greater accuracy while minimizing trauma to the patient, leading to faster recovery and improved long-term outcomes. Bridging the gap between symptom onset and specialist consultation will be key to reducing the overall burden of these conditions,” Dr. Jha said.

Over 7% Indians Engaging In Healthy Aging

A nationwide survey conducted by Local Circles, a Delhi-based community platform and citizen pulse aggregator, for World Health Day 2026, found that more than 7.3 percent of Indians are actively working on slowing aging.

The report showed that preventive healthcare has gained importance, and people are increasingly indulging in healthy practices such as lifestyle, diet, exercise, supplements, and therapy to ensure healthier, more active years.

It noted that fitness trends such as yoga, strength training, and regular physical activity, along with balanced diets rich in antioxidants, are widely promoted to maintain physical health and vitality.

Mental well-being practices, including meditation and stress management, are also being recognized as essential components of healthy aging.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, on the occasion of World Health Day 2026, reaffirmed his commitment to building a healthier society and nation.

The Prime Minister also extended gratitude to all healthcare workers for their tireless service to the public health.

He also urged citizens to work together to strengthen healthcare systems and prioritize the well-being of every individual.

“On World Health Day, we express our gratitude to all those who dedicate themselves tirelessly to the service of others and work towards a healthier planet,” PM Modi said in a post on the social media platform X.

“We also reaffirm our commitment to building a healthier society. Let us all keep working together to strengthen healthcare systems and prioritise the well-being of every individual,” he added.

The Ministry of Health also advised people not to ignore signs given by the body, such as

• Fatigue.
• Stress.
• Poor sleep.
• Dehydration.

“These are not minor inconveniences; they are early warnings. Ignored too often, they can lead to serious health consequences. Listen early. Act in time. Stay healthy,” it said.

Health Is Wealth

Union Health Minister JP Nadda highlighted India’s approach to healthcare, which combines “age-old wisdom with modern science, helping improve lives not just at home but across the world”.

Citing government initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat and the PM Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, Nadda stated that the “strengthened healthcare system (is) making quality treatment more accessible, affordable, and inclusive for every citizen”.

The Health Minister also expressed "heartfelt gratitude to all doctors, nurses, and frontline workers whose dedication keeps our healthcare system strong. Let us all work together towards building a healthier and stronger nation”.

Meanwhile, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urged citizens to make investments for their health.

Calling health "the ultimate wealth”, he said: “This #WorldHealthDay, I urge everyone to take a little more time for themselves”.

The Minister also urged people to “move more, eat better, and prioritize well-being. Let’s also encourage every member of our family to stay fit by making healthier choices together as a family. A healthy Bharat begins at home”.

World Health Day 2026

World Health Day is observed annually on April 7 to mark the founding day of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948 for public health worldwide.

World Health Day 2026 will be observed under the theme “Together for health. Stand with science.” It highlights the role of the WHO in promoting public health, which has led to improvements in the global maternal mortality rate, falling by more than 40 percent since 2000, and a reduction of over 50 percent in deaths among children under five.

The WHO stated that science was behind every health progress, which led to improvements in global health and lives. This includes the development of

• anesthesia
• safer medicines and affordable vaccination
• screening technologies, such as electronic blood pressure monitors and mammography tools.

On World Health Day 2026, the WHO urged people to renew their commitment to working together and supporting science as the twin engines driving better health.

“Science is one of humanity’s most powerful tools for protecting and improving health,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.

“People in every country live longer and healthier lives on average today than their ancestors did, thanks to the power of science. Vaccines, penicillin, germ theory, MRI machines, and the mapping of the human genome are just some of the achievements that science has delivered that have saved lives and transformed health for billions of people,” he added.

The WHO emphasized that science must continue to guide health decision-making at all levels.