5 Tips to Keep Your Mind Sharp with Age

Have you noticed that your memory isn’t as sharp as it once was? Do you misplace items or forget your train of thought more often than before? If so, you may be experiencing some age-related forgetfulness.

We understand that age can take a toll on our brains, but we also know that there are ways that we can keep our minds sharp even as time goes by. Keeping your mind active and stimulated can often help you maintain your mental capability. Take a look at the below tips to keep your brain functioning at its best. Always remember to consult with your health care professional before starting a new diet or exercise regimen.

• Exercise – While exercise can help with your physical health and physique, it can also help with your mental state. Physical activity can stimulate the growth of new brain cells and help to reverse the effects of aging. The endorphins that are released during exercise – the ones that are known for making you feel happy and less stressed – can also help you concentrate and feel mentally sharper. Stretching, walking and light weight training are just a few ideas to get you started.
• Eat Healthy – Having a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet can help keep your brain functioning at its best. Eating foods that are high in antioxidants, such as berries, broccoli, spinach and legumes, in addition to foods with omega-3 fatty acids, such as lean fish, can help aid in memory and cognitive function. Consult with your doctor to determine which foods best meet your specific nutritional needs.
• Activities – Just like any muscle in the body, keeping your brain active and stimulated can help it remain strong and healthy. The phrase “use it or lose it” fits well when talking about keeping our minds sharp. Activities such as reading, playing games or piecing together a puzzle can help to keep your brain active. Don’t forget that, while it’s important to participate in activities, it’s also important to rest and get adequate sleep.
• Socialize – Through shared learning experiences and emotional connections, socializing with others can delay memory loss and preserve your brain health. So feel free to spend time with friends or colleagues at a coffee shop or simply talking to family from the comfort of your own home. You can take this to the next level by combining socializing with an activity such as joining a book group, signing up for a cooking class or volunteering at your local church or nonprofit senior care community or nursing home.
• Write Daily – Keeping a log of daily activities, thoughts and reflections can help to improve brain function. You can write in a physical journal or keep track of your daily activities online. This is a great way to boost your memory and comprehension and can be an outlet to gain control of your emotions and improve your mental health.
  

If you practice any of the above tips for maintaining a sharp mind, or if you have other ideas that you’d like to add to our list, we hope that you’ll share them with us by commenting below!

Do you have a loved one experiencing memory loss that’s affecting their ability to function? If so, they may be experiencing dementia or other forms of memory loss. For information on how we can help, visit the Memory Care page of our website. If you have questions about Concordia or would like to talk to us, please feel free to contact us any time via our online contact form or by calling our administrative headquarters at 724-352-1571. You can also visit the care levels & services page of our website for information on other services we offer such as  In-Home Care, Long-Term Nursing Care, Adult Day Services, and Hospice Care.