Write a commentDuring the 1900s, IQs seemed to rise 30 points in the US. This is known as the Flynn Effect. Every decade a new IQ test was given, and the results were 2-3 points higher than the generation before.
This trend continued throughout most of the twentieth century in most western nations. However, towards the end of the twentieth century until present day, we seem to be having a reverse Flynn Effect- our IQs are losing points every decade.
The best research done on this was a Norwegian Project done at the Ragnar Frisch Centre for Economic Research in Oslo. Three generations of men, about 730,000 of them, in Norway, conscripted into their military, had to take an IQ test and the results were eye opening. Men born in 1961 had a higher IQ than those born in 1975, and so the trend began. Where up until this point a roughly 2-point increase occurred, Norway was seeing a reversal. And it kept going every decade. This was not the only place this occurred. France, the UK, and even the US saw a reversal of IQ numbers. Even the Economic Forum was discussing this trend without discovering any real reason as to why.
Is there something you can do to help your IQ and that of your children to help turn the tide? Probably. IQ tests measure reasoning skills and logic, therefore, you have to do things that push you to think. Do things that make you wonder. Like what?
Eat well. It’s well-known that nutrition plays a large role in IQ. With the Farmers Markets in Oswego, Fulton, and Pulaski coming up, you will have no problem getting the fresh foods you will need. Fresh fruit, vegetables, and those brainy mushrooms over at the mushroom table are a good place to start. According to Melissa Salazar, “Mushroom Girl,” and Mike Buckley with Bella Infinity Farms, many mushrooms are touted for their “potential benefits for brain health.” Most noted are the lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps, shiitake, and the oyster mushrooms. All of these are noted for rich antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and overall nutrient richness which is great for brain health and they are delicious. They come to the Oswego Farmers Market to bring fresh ‘shrooms weekly. If you are interested in growing your own fruits and vegetables, you could get in touch with The Gardening Clubs in Oswego, Fulton, or Pulaski. They usually meet at the public libraries and offer plenty of help. Any way you do it, just be sure to get enough protein and Vitamin B in your system to keep the body in peak form no matter how you want to do it.
You can also get in touch with The Gardening Clubs in Oswego, Fulton, or Pulaski and learn how to grow some of your own food. Just be sure to get enough protein and Vitamin B in your system to keep the body in peak form, no matter how you want to do it.
Exercise is also a must. Be sure to get some exercise every day. The Oswego YMCA offers plenty of programs for young and old. They even have a class to learn Pickleball. How much fun would that be! Brewerton Center for the Arts offers Yoga and Dance classes, the Oswego Yacht Club has sailing classes, the YMCA in Fulton offers activities, as well as any of the summer sports leagues getting ready to hit the scene. Take one of the Walking tours from Oswego Tours and you get both exercise and interesting facts about our very own Oswego. Just get out and move!
Games and puzzles are a way to keep up that IQ. If you want to get out, the area offers plenty of nights of Bingo, Bunco, and trivia. Misfits Games in Oswego offers tabletop leagues, mostly meeting weekly, to help you start thinking strategically. Staying at home? Pull out Scrabble, Boggle, Monopoly, Chess, or Clue. A deck of cards offers a chance to learn Pitch, Rummy or try your chances at poker.
Learn a new hobby or pick an old one back up. Doing something new helps the brain to think about how to do it. Things like painting, knitting, crocheting, or ceramics at the CNY Arts Center in Fulton, the Art Association of Oswego, the Bridge Street Makers in Pulaski, or the Salmon River Fine Arts Center (also in Pulaski) would be a good start. The Oswego Public Library hosts the “Port City Crafters,” and the Parish Library hosts “Crochet Corner.” If you don’t want to take up a new hobby, just stopping in to one of the exhibits at the Art Association of Oswego, the CNY Arts Center, or the Salmon River Fine Arts Center can boost your brain into new territories by giving you new things to see and think about.
Learn a new skill. The Family Welcome Centers in Fulton and Pulaski can help with that. They offer classes in computer literacy, parenting, and help in finding new employment. If you want more, try taking a class at SUNY Oswego or Cayuga Community College.
Get involved in a book club. A book club offers a chance to read a different book and discuss the ideas within its pages with a group. Find one in your area.
Go see a play. Take some time away from the screen and see a play at one of the many places that offer them. You have the Oswego Players in Oswego, the CNY Arts Center in Fulton putting on plenty of shows, and the various high school and middle school drama clubs putting on their productions. You may even want to participate by acting, writing, helping with the set, or the plenty of other tasks involved in a production.
Check out a museum. Go to the Richardson-Bates House, the Pratt House, and the H. Lee White Maritime Museum. Don’t forget Fort Ontario with its many programs over the year and the Safe Haven Museum. Not just the museums; call on the Historical Societies of any town in the area, as most have one. I hear the one in Cleveland, NY is a fantastic place to find refreshing historical facts.
Get your kids out and away from too much screen time. The Children’s Museum focuses on STEM Projects for the kids that help their IQ, too. Let’s not forget the summer camps offered there and at the YMCA. What about all the activities going on at the Amboy Education Center? Lots to do there.
Sleep. We all need a proper amount of sleep; 7-to-9 hours a night. Eating right and a good amount of exercise can help with that. If it isn’t quite enough, go get a relaxing massage. The Aqua Spa in Oswego has a great deal of offerings to help relax you in a variety of interesting ways. I think that is just what this writer needs.
The point is, your IQ isn’t set in stone as we used to believe. Change your routine a bit and do something different. Get those brain waves flowing and let’s get Oswego County on the positive side of statistics. Let’s raise the bar of our IQs and those of the generations ahead of us. See you out there!
