Bob, yes, it is good for the brain. The detail work, what ever the level, the concentration, all good stuff. I know all of this without viewing the link.
But frankly speaking, despite possibly pushing the political envelope; Screw AARP. Whatever good they may do as an organization is countered by their leanings. In the grand scale, they actually treat us ‘retired people’ as simple-minded, second class citizens; unable to make our own intelligent decisions. And the discounts they offer, are generally available through many different sources. AARP is doing you no great service.
It is fun,been doing it for many years even in my squadron’s ready room on the IKE with a model i purchased in Singapore and i like history so to me it’s 3D history.
I spend 3/4 of my day problem solving on a computer. This only works half my brain because the only output required is typing on a keyboard. Modeling requires much more fine tuning of the motor skills that computers, including video games, cannot do.
I love the problem solving aspect of modeling that gives me a sense of satisfaction when the problem is overcome. Also modeling gives me an outlet for my creative side.
I am a AARP member, but, not by choice, I needed a gap insurance and, after some research found the AARP has a decent gap insurance at a reasonable price, in order to get it you have to be a member, hence, I became a member.
Besides the insurance, I do not use then for anything else.
Joe
PD I had one of the best medical insurance available, but, after, Obama Care came out, it was canceled and I was force to seek new insurance that tuned to be more expensive while covering less.
I will not continue adding to this discussion because I may got into politics, and the rules of this blog are that no political discussions are allowed.
Just to clarify, I never had any intention to get into politics when I started this discussion. I just thought FineScale members would be interested in the article, regardless of where it was published.
Long story short, AARP is a political organization. Their prime activities are political advocacy and lobbying. If you post a link with the group title prominently listed and tagged in the narrative body, it is bound to get some feedback of that nature. My wife signed me up as soon as I turned 50, probably as a joke on her part. Aside from the discount at Denny’s which I would use after IPMS meetings with our crew, I really pay them no heed. I browse the monthly magazine when it arrives, see that there is nothing of interest to me usually, and pop it into the recycle bin. But it’s nice to see that they think that the hobby is good for us. (Nothing about the effects of paint or glue fumes though… boomers [;)] )
Enjoyed the article. Thanks for posting it. My first build or two I didn’t do much research on the subject. I just painted and glued per the instructions without a thought of the real airplane. My current build, Spitfire MK1, I’m searching the net for pics and learning much more about the Spitfire. That led me to purchase a book on Churchill’s first year as PM and the state of Britain right before the German bombings. Never thought I would enjoy this aspect of the hobby so much.
So yes it’s great for the brain. Thank goodnes because other things that interest me are beer, bourbon, cigars, and not exercising.
I did like article which I sent a copy to my brorther. He retired this year. A good friend of his are both big time modelers. We have been zooming building models together. If I can find anyting in this quantine benifcial is that my brother and I are closer than before. We’ve always been close but family duties and living different parts of the country kept us apart. Hes learned a lot, he builds very good. He was a Dentist, so he’s used to working in close and detail work, and so is his friend who is a lawyer…
I build to relax and to try to maintain the fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. I’ve always been a history buff so besides building I also enjoy the research involved. I like the problem-solving aspect of the hobby as well. I’m looking forward to retirement when I can spend as much time as I want to just building and hanging out in my shop with a good build, some tunes, and a cold beer.