Did you know that your brain actually shrinks in size as you age? Over the years, it can lose up to 10% of its size – meaning that regular exercise is needed to help your brain stay strong and healthy. In fact, older adults may benefit the most from activities that help to foster good mental health. Here are some ways to help keep your brain in tip-top shape:
Enjoy Games that Stimulate your Brain
The internet can be a great place to go for games that make you think. A quick Google search for your favorite game will likely provide you with places to play it online, sometimes against other people in real-time. If you are more inclined to avoid the computer, there are always board games like Monopoly, Clue, or Scrabble, which get your mind working and provide fellowship with friends and family.
Stay informed
Getting in some good reading time not only helps to make you smarter, it can also increase the power of your brain. In much the same way that the muscles of your body need exercise to stay healthy and strong, so, too, does your brain. Harvard Medical School determined that the best way to keep your brain healthy is to pursue knowledge throughout your lifetime. Reading the latest novel or staying current on politics and the news of the day is a great way to accomplish this.
Be efficient
It can be hard to remember that your daughter’s birthday is next Wednesday, your grandson’s recital is on Saturday, you have a haircut appointment at 3 pm, and a doctor’s appointment tomorrow at 11 am. While you’re at it, you also need to keep track of where your cell phone, car keys, and TV remote are as well! Take advantage of calendars and planners, either on paper or the electronic versions, to help you manage your schedule. Set aside a specific place to put your knick-knacks so that you only have to look in one place to find your things. You’ll be surprised
how much less stress you have and how much easier it is to remember life’s details once you take control of the little things.
If you have questions about senior living and how Primrose can help you or a loved one, we would be honored to help. Just visit www.primroseretirement.com for more info.