As you age, your brain works differently but it works every bit as well as the youngsters. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t lose brain cells as you age, and you don’t have to accept or expect memory loss.
Here are some things you can do to help keep your mind sharp, and fight memory loss, into your 80s and far beyond…
1. Relax: Stress interferes with short term memory functioning. Meditate, garden or do whatever relaxes you- daily.
2. Have active relationships with others: Human contact and conversation stimulates the brain by keeping you focused on the world outside of your own thoughts.
3. Keep yourself intellectually challenged: Mental stimulation along with a varied diet may even build new brain cells in parts of your brain devoted to memory. You can practice memory skills just as you practice tennis or golf: using memorization techniques available through books and memory training courses. But no one technique will strengthen all memory functions- focus on the type of memory you care about the most.
4. Get organized: For short-term problems like keeping appointments or finding those lost keys, rely on calendars, computers and message boards. There is no shame in using post its. You don’t have to be able to drive, talk on the phone, read the paper and drink coffee all at once. Put everything else aside and focus on the thing that’s most important, one thing at a time.
5. Exercise: You knew this. Using a treadmill can improve mental abilities 25 to 30%.
As we speak, new drugs are being researched and the FDA is seeking anti-aging drugs for legitimate use. They are called “nootropic” drugs. You may find vitamin E and B12, and ginkgo biloba, enhance brain functioning. If this works for you, use it.
If you have a healthy mind there are no limits to what you can do; you can enjoy life and be more fascinated by the world around you than you were in your 20s and 30s if you actively work at keeping your mind sharp.