Stay Healthy Over 50: Keep Your Mind Sharp!
October 28, 2014
There are many good reasons for keeping your brain as active as your body. Keeping your brain active and maintaining creativity actually may help you to prevent cognitive decline and memory problems. The more you use and sharpen your brain, the more benefits you will get. This is especially true if your career no longer challenges you or if you've retired from work altogether.
- Try variations on what you know. For some people, it might be playing games. Other people may enjoy puzzles or trying out new cooking recipes. Find something that you enjoy and continue to try new variations and challenges. If you like crosswords, move to a more challenging crossword series or try your hand at a new word game. If you like to cook, try a completely different type of food, or try baking if you've mostly been cooking over the stove.
- Work something new in each day. You don’t have to work elaborate crosswords or puzzles to keep your memory sharp. Try to work on something new each day, whether it is taking a different route to work or the grocery store or simply, just brushing your teeth with a different hand.
- Take on a completely new subject. Taking on a new subject is a great way to continue learning. Have you always wanted to learn a different language? Learn new computer skills? Learn to play golf? There are many inexpensive classes at community centers or community colleges that allow you to tackle new subjects. Volunteering is also a great way to learn about a new field. Taking classes and volunteering is a great way to boost social connections, which is another brain strengthener.
Keep your mind sharp as you age!
Back