Your brain has helped you manage decades of work, family and fun. But according to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 40% of people notice mild memory loss by age 65. The good news is, exercising your brain promotes intellectual wellness, just like cardio and weightlifting keep your body in shape. Here are some daily brain boosters that—together with a healthy diet, regular exercise and plenty of sleep—can keep your head in the game for years to come.
1. Ponder a Puzzle
Working through word or number puzzles like Sudoku and Wordle is one tried-and-true brain booster that can improve your attention, memory and reasoning skills. Some studies show that crossword puzzles in particular can hold off memory decline by two years or more. Tip: Many of these games—like the classic New York Times Crossword can also be found online.
Jigsaw puzzles, too, are a serious brain-enriching pastime. That’s because you’re exercising both the logical left side of your brain and the creative right side. Successfully finishing a challenging puzzle also releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that can boost mood, motivation and memory. Bonus: Manipulating puzzle pieces works wonders for your fine motor skills.
2. Lose Yourself in a Good Story
A daily read is more than just entertaining and inspiring. It’s also a mental workout that keeps your brain active and your neural connections firing. Following a storyline and remembering character names strengthens your brain’s recall abilities and helps maintain short-term memory. And exploring different viewpoints or following complex arguments engages your gray matter and enhances critical thinking skills. Research even suggests that regular reading can lower your risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Decades ago, you would have had to head to your local library or bookstore to find your next page-turner, and you can still do so today. But thanks to technology, you have a wealth of additional reading options right at your fingertips. Kindles, Nooks and other eReaders let you instantly download books, magazines and more on every topic under the sun—and some even have a library of free titles.
3. Get Out and About
Socializing with friends and family members doesn’t just brighten your day … it revitalizes your mind. Engaging others through conversations and social activities requires you to focus on the moment, giving your brain a workout. What’s more, socializing provides opportunities for strategic thinking and decision-making, which are key components of executive function.
In addition to scheduling time to call or visit the people closest to you, there are many ways to widen your social circle. Find an activity you enjoy, join a group at your house of worship or take a class and learn something new. And nothing beats volunteering when it comes to staying connected and giving your brain a sense of purpose. The AARP Volunteer Portal is an excellent place to start.
4. Cultivate or Rediscover a Passion
Another way to supercharge those brain cells is to explore a new hobby or take a deeper dive into pursuits you couldn’t squeeze into your schedule before retirement. Challenging your brain with activities like woodworking, stargazing, cooking or singing promotes neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections—which is crucial for maintaining cognitive function.
Did you play an instrument in your younger years? Dust it off and work on some tunes—or maybe join a community band. Have you always wanted to learn an instrument? It’s never too late—and it’s great for your mind. If you’re interested in painting, drawing or crafting, try an art class or set up a mini-studio at home. And who says hobbies have to be local? Satisfying your travel bug also keeps your mind agile by navigating unfamiliar cities and learning about different cultures.
5. Train Your Brain Using Technology
Brain-training phone apps and websites seem to be all the rage these days, and while conclusive evidence about their effectiveness is still in its early stages, studies do offer some general insights. For folks over 65, computerized brain games may help improve planning, focus and the ability to juggle multiple tasks. They may also boost the speed at which your brain receives and responds to information. One site to try is brainHQ, which offers exercises built on decades of brain research.
And even if you don’t consider yourself a “gamer,” three-dimensional video games like Minecraft and Super Mario 3D World offer another way to bolster your brain. Even Netflix offers games you can play with your TV remote. Fast-moving video games encourage spatial exploration, which works the part of the brain used to navigate your everyday environment. Bonus: They might even make you look like the “cool” grandparent.
From organizing book clubs to attending continuing education seminars, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more astute group of folks than the residents at Springmoor. Schedule your tour today and experience some of the engaging activities that will give you plenty of food for thought. Call 919-651-4844.
