The timing is perfect as well, since a large percentage of the population is increasing in age and the needs of the baby boomers are largely driving the economy. One thing baby boomers want is to keep themselves out of a mental funk. There are companies that are nicely establishing themselves in this market. For example, Sharp Brains and Posit Science have created some good product lines already.

I want to offer an expanded definition of Brain Fitness. Although the term is not yet in the dictionary, one definition for the word fitness from Webster is "good health or physical condition, especially as the result of exercise and proper nutrition". I think this should apply to Brain Fitness as well.

But the ability of these new circuits and connections to form also depends on the physical health of the brain, which plays by many of the same rules as the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidney's, etc. The physical health of the brain is dependent upon quality nutrition, physical activity and adequate sleep – just like the rest of the body.

The driver, in this case, is like your mind. The skills, the knowledge and the speed of decision-making are what Brain Fitness products will improve. The car is like the physical brain. If you don't have a high performance machine then the most skilled driver will not stand a chance.

In order to maintain healthy brains through our elder years we must focus on both of these approaches. But don't make the mistake of thinking that this is only for the baby boomer generation. What we do as kids and young adults all contributes to how efficiently our mental machines will work throughout our lives.