In honor of Senior Citizens Day, we at EZ-ACCESS want to remind you how important it is to keep yourself healthy as you age – both physically AND mentally.
While many people focus on exercise and eating right, we often neglect exercising the mind. Mental stimulation can combat those “senior moments” and also protect and improve your memory.
Here are a few fun and easy ways to boost your brain power.
Never Stop Learning
Many people associate learning with younger years of life; we don’t typically think of learning as something we do as we age. However, experts believe that continually challenging your mind can actually stimulate and maintain brain cells. A variety of activities can help you achieve this. Perhaps it’s time you learn a new hobby such as chess or needlepoint. Even completing a jigsaw puzzle or weekly crossword can keep your mind growing. Lifelong learning not only keeps you mentally sharp, but it’s also critical for your emotional health.
Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
If you find yourself unable to remember small things, such as someone’s name or an upcoming appointment, repetition may help. When you repeat something, you reinforce the memory or the connection in your mind. It is also important not to “cram” the repetition, but rather, space things out. By giving yourself a little time between reminders, it will help improve your memory. For example, maybe it’s an upcoming doctor’s appointment you don’t want to forget. Give yourself small reminders on a calendar for 2 weeks out, 1 week out, and the day before, just to give your brain time to create that memory and help you stay ahead.
Use Your Senses
Does a certain smell or feeling remind you of a time in your life? Maybe cinnamon reminds you of Christmas or dew on your lawn reminds you of playing early-morning little league as a kid. By associating different senses with things, you are more likely to remember them. The next time you are tasked with committing something to memory, try to note something else in your surroundings. A smell, a feeling, or even what you see around you can help you remember that event later.
As you age, it is vital to keep your mind sharp, especially if you plan on aging in place. Being self-sufficient both physically and mentally are important to your overall success. We at EZ-ACCESS are committed to providing you with the products you need to be successful at home, but it is up to you to keep your mind moving!
