As many jokes as you see on TV and in movies about seniors and memory loss, there’s nothing funny about it when it starts to happen to you. Seeing your memory decline can take a bite out of anyone’s self-confidence. We have good news, though: you don’t have to sit by and watch it happen. Our experts at Corso Atlanta have steps you can take to keep your brain sharp at any age, and they’re all attainable.
- Learn New Skills
Life is full of great adventures, and few are greater than learning a new skill. Set a goal to learn a new skill every month or so. You don’t have to become a master. It could be something simple like learning a few phrases in a new language or learning how to cook a new dish. Chances are that there are plenty of people in your life who have skills they can teach you, and you can find YouTube videos on just about any topic. Regardless of the skill you choose, the act of learning will exercise your brain and help you stay sharp.
- Pick Up Some Puzzles
Who ever knew that looking out for your health could be so much fun? Puzzles like crossword puzzles, word searches, logic puzzles, and sudoku will work your brain while you’re relaxing. If you’re more of a jigsaw puzzle fan, this can help to combat memory loss as well.
- Fill Up Your Social Calendar
If puzzles are a bit too solitary for your tastes, here’s good news: social interaction can have a healthy effect on your brain as well. The conversation stimulates your brain while also helping you physically active. However, not all social interactions are the same. It’s important to surround yourself with staying positive people and people you can have an engaging conversation with. Your state of mind has an impact on your mental and physical health, so make sure you spend your social time with people who make you happy. Many senior living communities have plenty of arranged social gatherings for you to enjoy.
- Remain a Lifelong Student
Even young people tend to notice a difference in their mental skills between when they’re in school and after they graduate. Taking classes on a regular basis keeps your brain active, and it can decline in a hurry if you stop learning. There are plenty of ways to learn like a student without a high tuition bill. Senior centers and other municipal facilities often have free or inexpensive classes for local residents. If you have a college nearby, many will let you audit a class for little or no cost. This means that you will be able to attend all the classes and do the assignments if you wish, but you won’t receive college credit.
- Play Memory-Based Games
On top of puzzle games, another direct and fun way to help your memory is to play games that rely on your memory. For instance, a classic that comes to mind is the card game in which you lay out a grid of cards upside-down. You peak at cards two at a time and try to remember where they are so you can find the matching pairs. There are also plenty of online games and apps you can find. You can even make up your own games if you prefer. For example, challenge yourself to remember as many headlines from the local paper as you can each day. Keep score and try to improve little by little.
So many people accept mental decline as an inevitable part of aging. While it is natural and common, there are plenty of ways that you can keep it to a minimum, and some of them are even fun! The tips above from our experts can help you stay sharp and continue to live your life to the fullest. If you’re looking for a comfortable community where you can enjoy that stronger memory, learn more about Corso Atlanta.