Brainpower For Life: Simple Strategies To Keep Your Mind Sharp As You Age

  • Anti-Aging
  • anti-aging - brain
  • October 21, 2024

Cognitive decline doesn't have to be a mandatory part of aging. Here are tips to keep your mind sharp in your golden years.

Fight Cognitive Decline In Later Years

M any parts of aging are inevitable. For example, graying hair is a situation that can rarely be avoided. Thankfully, hair dye exists so people can maintain a youthful appearance if desired. However, pop culture often assumes that aging goes hand in hand with cognitive decline, which isn’t true. While some people may experience reduced function because of underlying conditions, many seniors can stay sharp just by keeping the mind engaged regularly. Here are a few tips to keep the mind sharp, alert, and whip-smart even in older age.

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Protect health

One of the biggest ways a person can prevent a fuzzy mind that struggles to remember is by preserving health. While the connection might not seem obvious, research suggests that getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in enough physical activity not only supports the body, but the mind as well. Similarly, avoiding some vices like smoking as well as limiting alcohol intake can also support better mental function.

Engage in brain teasers

Yes, having a little fun can do wonders for brain health. No matter the format, playing with puzzles can help seniors maintain brain functionality including cognition and memory. Studies show that seniors that routinely played word puzzles or sudoku enjoyed better mental skills than elderly that skipped puzzles. The study looked at over 19,000 participants in a 25-year review that were between 50 and 96 years old. Consistently, the evidence proved that the cohort that regularly played puzzles outperformed on cognitive tests that checked for memory, attention, and reasoning.

All the senses matter

Yes, exercising all five senses can do wonders for boosting brain function. Studies consistently show that people who regularly use hearing, sight, vision, touch, and taste enjoy better memory recall and exhibit better mental agility. To follow this principle, try activities that naturally leverage all five senses. For example, cooking, visiting new restaurants, or even traveling can engage all of the senses.

Enjoy music moments

To reap the benefits of listening to music, the genre doesn’t even matter. Research consistently shows that whether playing or listening to music, the experience keeps the brain sharp. One specific study pinpointed that positive or upbeat music not only boosted mood but could encourage creativity. The same benefits can be achieved with sad music. For individuals who can play an instrument or want to learn, the experience can help to reinforce neural pathways.

Stay sharp as a senior

Not every person who enters the golden years era has to struggle to remember where the keys were last left or people’s names. More importantly, preserving brain power can be fun and doesn’t always require intentional actions. Simple actions like playing puzzles, enjoying music, or even flexing the five senses regularly can all work to keep the mind sharp, no matter an individual’s age.

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