Help Your Memory Stay Sharp
If you are a Baby Boomer or older, you've probably noticed that your memory is not what it used to be. You may find that you still have great memories of events in your past, but you often can't remember what you did yesterday. Names get stuck on the tip of your tongue. By the time you get from one room to another, you forget the reason that you went there.
It is extremely frustrating when our short term memory starts to deteriorate. However, we don't have it sit idly by and let it happen. There are many things we can do to help keep our memories sharp and slow the aging process of our brains:
1. Physical exercise – Exercising to keep your body in shape helps keep your mind in shape.
2. Challenge your brain – Play word games, read and learn new things. Keep changing it up. Play new games, read different types of books and go outside your comfort zone. Consider going back to school.
3. Keep your heart healthy – Heart problems can increase the risk of cognitive decline. Eat healthy and manage your stress.
4. Don't drink too much – Excessive drinking can damage brain cells
5. Socialize - Studies have shown that people with active social lives stay healthier both physically and mentally.
6. Sleep – Lack of sleep affects memory. If you are having problems getting enough sleep, speak to your doctor
Since I'm sure that I'll never have the same great memory that I used to, I've learned to somewhat adapt. Not only do I try to do everything above but I now make sure that I write everything down in calendars and to-do lists. Now if I could just find a way to remember names!
Jennifer Wagner
Jennifer is married with two sons that are becoming adults. Based on her great experiences with her sons as teens and her research expertise she created a blog called Connect with your Teens through Pop Culture and Technology. Please visit her there so you too can stay up-to-date on all the latest news.
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Yeah! Now I don't have to feel so guilty about the fact that I spend more time with Will Shortz than I do with my husband!
(Just kidding. We race on the NYTimes crossword every Sunday. I always win…)
Great article. I love word games like Boggle and love that I can enjoy them knowing I am exercising my brain!
Of course, now that I'm staying so busy blogging, writing, and researching, I don't get to them that much. But since blogging and writing is using my brain in a whole new way, it's accomplishing the same thing. Now if I could just stop staying up so late to do it all! 