How to Keep an Aging Brain Active

Many of us are afraid of losing our mental capacity as we age. We can keep an aging brain active and maintain a good quality of life. Food, nutrition, physical and social activities all play a role in keeping our brains active. Brain games and activities will keep our brain stimulated and help keep the aging brain active.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Attitude Adjustments

1. Be optimistic. Deciding how you feel every morning will determine how you feel the rest of the day. You can choose to look on the positive things in life. Your day will go much better; and because your attitude is improved, so is your feeling of well being.
2. Treat depression. It's a common cause of declining cognition in older adults. See a doctor, take medications as prescribed and avoid taking depressants like sedatives and alcohol.
3. Volunteer or join a group; do something you consider meaningful. Be more socially active and interact with others.

Feed the Brain

4. Follow a healthy diet to reduce the risks of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. If you are diabetic, follow the prescribed dietary guidelines to keep blood sugar level.
5. Eat a diet that's high in antioxidants or take them as supplements. A diet high in antioxidants helps protect brain cells and will keep your aging brain healthier.
6. Drink adequate amounts of water to keep hydrated. Water keeps the blood circulating which is important for brain activity. Dehydration can also cause confusion, so make sure to drink enough when exercising or if you are ill.

Exercise the Brain

7. Exercise your body. The old saying of "healthy body, healthy mind" holds true. Exercise affects your overall health, including the brain. Swim, ride a bike, walk, dance, garden, stretch or do yoga to keep your body and brain healthy.
8. Keep your brain active every day. Play trivia games, do crossword puzzles, word games or read daily.
9. Start something new to challenge your brain. Take up a brand new hobby, learn a new language or write a book. Get on the computer and research something that interests you, like genealogy or your family history.