Your brain isn’t a muscle, but that doesn’t mean you can’t develop a mental workout routine. As we get older, our brain health is just as important as our physical health — and there’s plenty we can do to keep working on it. Read on to find out how to stay mentally active throughout your golden years.
The Importance of Staying Mentally Active
Challenging yourself to stay mentally active is an important part of healthy aging. First, working your brain is proven to help improve cognitive function and boost memory over time, which is especially important for older adults concerned about dementia and other forms of cognitive decline. Staying mentally active also promotes neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to change and respond to new life experiences. Finally, staying mentally active helps promote the production of feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, both of which help improve mood and reduce feelings of stress.
Now that we’ve explored the importance of staying mentally active, we’ll dig into a few ways to challenge your brain throughout your golden years.
Ways to Challenge Your Brain
Challenging your brain can be as simple or in-depth as you like. Below are a few of our favorite ways to stay mentally active regardless of your activity level:
- Puzzles and games: Crosswords, sudoku puzzles, and jigsaw puzzles all engage the parts of your brain that involve memory and problem-solving skills. It might not seem like much, but a daily puzzle habit goes a long way toward keeping your brain active and healthy.
- Brain training apps: Want to work your brain from the couch? It’s easier than ever thanks to brain training apps you can download onto your phone or tablet. These apps focus on everything from memory to quick response times, and it’s easy to find an option that works for you.
- Learning new skills: It’s never too late to take up a new skill like learning a language, playing a musical instrument, or taking up a craft like sewing or knitting. Learning something new is a great way to stimulate the brain and foster your creativity. Even if the new skill doesn’t come naturally at first, keep going — it’s all about the process.
- Memory exercises: There are plenty of ways to work your memory throughout the day, even without an app or puzzle. Try memorizing lists, recalling details from recent events, or remembering your favorite song lyrics. You might be surprised by how quickly these simple activities challenge your brain.
- Keeping up with your favorite hobbies: Hobbies like gardening, birdwatching, and crafting all promote mental stimulation, even if you’ve been doing them for years. And if you enjoy these hobbies in a group setting, even better — socializing is mentally stimulating and a great way to boost your mood.
Wondering how to stay mentally active? The good news is there are plenty of places to start. From puzzles and games to intentional time with your community, staying mentally active is crucial if you want to improve cognitive function and boost your mood throughout your golden years.
Are you looking for an assisted living community in Tennessee? Check out Hearthside Senior Living in Collierville and Bartlett. Our warm and inviting communities make it easy for seniors to embrace a healthy lifestyle with home-cooked and restaurant-style meals, exercise classes, and a nurse devoted to residents’ health and wellness. We would be happy to schedule a tour so you can explore the community, speak with the Community Director, meet some of the residents, and ask any questions you might have. To learn more about our amenities and services, please call 901-459-3853 (Bartlett) or 901-446-2532 (Collierville). We look forward to meeting you!