Tips for keeping your brain active and healthy
By Elizabeth Puls
Copy Editor
It has been said that “aging isn’t for the faint of heart.” One day we feel young and vibrant, and the next, we are struggling to do even the easiest of tasks. As we age, our bodies and minds naturally go through many changes. Much has been written on ways to keep our bodies in peak physical condition, but what about our brains?
Brain health encompasses cognitive, sensory, emotional, and motor functions. Our brain health is crucial for overall well-being and quality of life. A strong and healthy brain is paramount to helping us participate in daily activities, maintain independence, manage stress and emotions, protect us from cognitive decline, and improve our mental health.
So, how do we strengthen our brains? Here are a few ways to stave off neural decline while strengthening our brains.
Learn a New Skill
► Learn a new language or musical Instrument: This is a great way to strengthen existing neural pathways, create new pathways, and improve cognitive function.
► Take a course or workshop: Many communities offer free adult education classes that allow you to explore a new subject.
► Learn a new hobby: Getting involved in activities like cooking, crafting, photography, or painting can stimulate your brain.
Maintain Social Connections
► Join a club or group: Social interactions are crucial for maintaining cognitive function and wellbeing.
► Spend time with family and friends: Being active in social exercises will help stimulate your memories as well as keep your mind active.
► Volunteer: When you make it a point to engage in meaningful acts of service, it can provide a sense of purpose as well as challenge your mind.
Stay Physically Active
► Exercise: Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain which is imperative for cognitive function.
► Walking and swimming: These activities will not only improve your mood and energy levels but boost your cognitive function as well.
► Balance exercises: There are many free programs available to help you improve your balance, flexibility, and focus. Improving your balance can also help to alleviate falls, a major factor in head injuries and broken bones in the aging community.
Engage in Mental Exercises
► Solve a puzzle: Sudoku, crosswords puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and brain teasers are fun and easy ways to improve memory, problem solving, and focus.
► Play games: Board games, card games, and memory games can provide a challenging way to improve your thinking skills while strengthening your brain.
► Read: Reading your Bible, a novel, or magazine can help improve your vocabulary, memory, and keep you updated on current news and information.
Extra Tips for Improving Cognition
Remain curious: Ask questions, explore new topics, and continue learning.
Challenge yourself: Step outside your comfort zone and don’t be afraid to try something new or different.
Make sleep a priority: The National Sleep Foundation has updated its guidelines on optimal sleep for seniors. It is recommended that people over the age of 65 get seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night to not only heal and strengthen your body but to fortify brain health and cognitive function.
Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats are crucial for supporting brain health.
Medicine interactions: Make sure to talk with your physician about all the medications you take on a regular basis to ensure you are taking the proper dosage, and that you can alleviate any interactions between medications.
Control stress: The impacts of high levels of stress can negatively affect our cognitive function. In a study by Brown University, they found that people who are chronically in a state of stress, anxious, or depressed, tend to have higher levels of the hormone cortisol which can cause “brain fog” and, over time, can destroy brain cells resulting in brain shrinkage. The above ideas are good ways to help alleviate stress while, at the same time, making connections with others and having fun.
Growing older does not mean you have to slow down and lead a life of isolation. As we age, we can find new opportunities to engage in the world around us. Developing healthy brain habits is a key way to keep your brain healthy and vibrant.
Ways to feed your brain with games
These are a variety of games to try to strengthen your brain. Try a weekly game night and rotate through the suggestions!
Chess
Crosswords
Sudoku
Wordle
Scrabble
Trivia
Checkers
Card Games
Word Searches
Jigsaw Puzzles
Bingo
Solitaire
Backgammon
Memory Games on your Phone
Board Games