Keeping Sharp as You Age

Study after study indicates that keeping our brains active as we grow older is just as important as staying physically active.  As we age, not only do we lose muscle mass but our brain begins to shrink.  The Everyday Health Media’s website explains that, “your brain's cognitive reserve — its ability to withstand neurological damage due to aging and other factors without showing visible signs of slowing or memory loss — diminishes through the years.”   The goal of brain exercises is to help increase the brain’s cognitive reserves. 

One of Everyday Health’s simple tips for improving brain function is to test your recall.  They suggest that you make a list with several items on it such as errands to run or groceries to buy, and then memorize it.  A few hours later, try to recall as many items from the list as you can.  In addition engage in activities that require fine-motor skills such as knitting, drawing, painting, and jigsaw puzzles. 

Another activity for increasing cognitive brain function is to visualize how to spell a word and then think of other words that begin with or end with the same letters.  Also it is beneficial to undertake new activities in your daily life such as learning how to cook various types of cuisine, learning a foreign language or to play an instrument.  Seniors can also keep brains active and healthy by learning to play a new sport like golf, tennis or yoga.     

At MorningStar at Arrowhead, we recognize the importance of providing an environment where our residents can engage in meaningful as well as fun and entertaining activities, including brain exercises.  Our monthly calendar is loaded with daily activities of great interest to our residents.   

   

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour.

Source:

everydayhealth.com/longevity/mental-fitness/brain-exercises-for-memory.aspx