4 Ways to Keep Your Mind Sharp As You Get Older

 

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The aging process affects the human body in many ways. As you get older, you will start to notice aches and pains that weren’t there before, and find it harder to carry out certain tasks like climbing the stairs and mowing the lawn. But the impacts of age are not just physical. Many older people discover that their minds start to lose their sharpness in later years.


This may manifest itself as the occasional lapse in memory, or difficulty concentrating on reading. Many people lightheartedly pass these slip-ups off as a “senior moment” but in some cases they can be an early sign of dementia. If you are concerned that this may be the case, doing a Google search for “dementia care near me” can help you find the assistance you need.


But if you simply want to protect your mind as you get older and prolong your enjoyment of mentally stimulating activities like reading and writing, there are ways to keep your cognitive function on top form. Here are four tips to get you started.
Keep learning new things

There is always more you can learn, and this learning shouldn’t stop when you get older. Acquiring new knowledge and skills keeps your brain stimulated, and you will be less likely to experience cognitive decline as a result. Make a habit of reading new books regularly, and pick up a new skill such as playing an instrument or learning a language.
Challenge your brain

The mind is like a muscle. The more work you make it do, the stronger it gets. If you keep giving your brain new challenges, you will maintain your intelligence, memory, and attention span for longer. Find time each day for a mentally stimulating activity such as crossword, Su Doku, or jigsaw. Even many video games can be incredibly challenging in this regard. Making an effort to keep your mind active will stave off cognitive decline and allow you to enjoy your favorite activities well into your golden years.
Don’t take shortcuts

Modern technology is slowly eradicating our need to remember things. Back in the day, we would have to memorize the phone numbers of loved ones, but now all the contact details we need are readily available in our pockets. The same goes for addresses, directions, passwords, and shopping lists, and calendar events. Relying on your smartphone makes things too easy, and doesn’t give your brain the workout it needs. Make an effort to prioritize your memory rather than taking shortcuts.
Stay social

Social interaction is one of the best things for our mental and physical health, and nothing keeps your mind active like a stimulating conversation with a loved one. Many people fall out of touch with friends and family when they get older, but it’s important to make an effort to nurture your relationships. Meet up with a friend for a coffee each week, and give your loved ones a Zoom call as often as you can.


Following these five tips will help to keep your mind on top form well into your later life. Just remember to never stop learning and prioritize your social relationships.

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