It’s likely you’ve experienced the feeling of walking into a room and forgetting why. Or, you’ve had difficult remembering a name or recalling a familiar piece of information. These types of small memory lapses may happen more frequently as we get older and are the result of normal changes in the brain that occur during the aging process. While you can’t halt the hands of time – it is possible to soften its impact. Learn how you can help to keep your mind sharp with these tips we’ve curated.
Simple Strategies to Help Sharpen Your Mind
The National Institute on Aging shares that several key functions, including your ability to think, move, feel, and respond to stimulus, are good indicators of how healthy your brain is. There are also numerous factors that influence brain health, such as genetics and chronic medical conditions. The following tips for keeping your mind sharp are fairly simple – focusing on lifestyle changes that promote good physical health, which includes your brain.
1. Healthy body, healthy mind.
Older adults who are committed to staying physically fit typically enjoy numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk for chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. Ongoing research also highlights the important role regular exercise plays in keeping your brain healthy – from slowing cognitive decline to preventing your brain from shrinking.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day. Take a brisk walk after dinner or join a friend for a yoga class – just make sure you check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine.
Related: How to start an exercise routine
2. Continue learning.
Even though your brain finishes developing by early adulthood, it retains the ability to form new neural connections throughout your lifetime. Scientists call this process of change and adaptation neuroplasticity. Seeking out new experiences – either through traveling, creative pursuits, or learning a new skill – is a great habit that can help your brain stay flexible.
Looking for other ways to sharpen your mind? Try joining a book club, learning a new language, playing a game that involves strategy, or unwinding with your favorite type of puzzle.
3. Meditate.
Similar to exercise, a regular meditation practice may provide both physical and mental benefits. The meditation experts at Mindworks share that older adults who meditate regularly typically enjoy reduced stress, better sleep, and improved memory. Sharpened focus and enhanced cognitive functioning are two additional benefits meditators may experience.
Developing a meditation practice isn’t as difficult as you might think. A quick search on Google or YouTube will reveal an abundance of content aimed at beginners. If you have a smartphone or tablet, there are numerous apps available to help guide you.
Related: Benefits of meditation and how to get started
4. Be social.
Social isolation is a serious concern for older adults that may pose numerous physical and mental health risks. The National Institute on Aging shares that social isolation can increase your chances of developing heart disease, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive decline. Seniors who regularly participate in meaningful activities with others may enhance their well-being and sharpen their minds too.
Socializing during your golden years may be difficult due to limited mobility or lack of transportation. With a little planning and creativity, there are plenty of ways you can connect with others. Consider volunteering or serving as a mentor, or joining a local club you are interested in. Scheduling regular phone calls or coffee dates with family and friends are also easy ways to spend time with others.
5. Work smarter, not harder.
Every day we are challenged to keep track of an enormous amount of information. Appointments, birthdays, items needed at the store – the list seems endless. To help improve your attention and focus, Harvard Medical School suggests using your mental energy wisely. Instead of struggling to remember important dates or upcoming events, use a planner. Paper or digital is fine – just make a habit of entering the information promptly. Rather than wasting valuable time searching for your keys (glasses, purse, or remote control), designate a spot for the items you use every day.
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