Tips and Tricks To Keep Your Mind Sharp

You may remember learning compass points as a child by using the popular phrase, “Never Eat Shredded Wheat. This acronym is known as a mnemonic device–a tool that helps us remember certain facts or large amounts of information. Mnemonics not only help us remember facts and phrases as children, but they are also especially useful in helping our brains stay sharp and focused while we age.

The good news is that scientists continue to identify effective strategies to keep your memory sharp. Although there are no guarantees when it comes to preventing memory loss, certain daily activities have been shown to slow the process. Below are some of the ways you and your loved one can keep cognitive skills strong.

Stay mentally active

Just as physical activity helps keep your body in shape, mentally stimulating activities have been shown to help keep your mind in shape. Try doing crossword puzzles or playing games like sudoku that encourage us to use different parts of our brains. Simple things like mixing it up and taking alternate routes to and from your home while running errands help to keep our minds responsive and sharp as we age.

Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet has been proven to be as good for your brain as it is for your heart. Try eating a healthy and well-balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains whenever possible. You can also enjoy low-fat protein sources, such as fish, beans, and skinless poultry.

Stay fit

Exercise may not be the fountain of youth, but it’s the most powerful tool you have for a long, healthy life. As you age, it becomes more important to exercise regularly — perhaps even increasing the amount of time you spend exercising to compensate for bodily changes in hormones and other factors that you cannot control. Here are some things you can do to improve your strength and coordination:

• Participate in aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, jogging, biking, swimming, or aerobic classes at least 30 minutes per day, five days per week.

• Participate in exercise that helps with strength, balance, and flexibility at least two hours per week, such as yoga, tai chi, Pilates, and isometric weightlifting.

• Sleep well — you can actually improve your skills overnight while you are sleeping.

Manage chronic conditions

The better you take care of yourself, the better your memory is likely to be. At Welcome Health, all of our physicians are trained in the principles of geriatric medicine, a specialty that focuses on the physical, mental and social health and wellness of adults 65 and older. While working closely with each individual and combining proven scientific approaches with compassion and understanding you or your loved one will experience a better quality of life.

Stay socially connected

Weekly social interactions help keep your mind sharp while warding off feelings of depression and stress, both of which have been shown to contribute to memory loss. Look for opportunities to get together with family and friends–take a walk together, have a coffee date, or celebrate a birthday. If meeting up in person is not possible, reach out by telephone or a video chat to share a smile and a laugh. 

If you’re worried about memory loss affecting you or your loved one’s ability to finish daily activities, talk to your healthcare provider. For many seniors, traveling to see a physician is challenging. Transportation obstacles, mobility limitations, visual impairment, constraints due to chronic illness, and fear of getting sick prevent many older people from going to their primary care clinic appointments. 

Welcome Health is here to help you understand what possibilities are out there for your primary care. Call us today to see how our home-based primary care might be right for you.