Forgetting where you left your keys is common. Even forgetting someone’s name whom you’ve only met once is nothing to worry about. But when you’re in your 60’s, these types of lapses in memory can happen more often and be alarming not only to you but to your loved ones, too.

Memory loss can occur because of a natural decline in brain activity as people age. Sometimes it’s genetic, while other times it’s due to a loss of brain cells or a decrease in blood flow to the brain.

Regardless of the causes, there are ways that seniors can keep their minds and memory active. If you’re wondering how you can keep your mind sharp as you age, this article is for you!

Keep Workin’ Your Noggin’

Get Plenty of Exercise

Maintaining good cardiovascular health is not only crucial for our general well-being. Heart attacks and strokes can leave survivors more susceptible to dementia.

Seniors should actively monitor and control their blood pressure and cholesterol. Eating a nutritious diet that’s low in saturated fat and sodium is a good start. But regular exercise is also imperative.

Exercise not only helps to reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It also increases blood flow to the brain, which can help to prevent dementia.

Going for a walk or jog for 30 minutes a few times per week can suffice. But there are plenty of aerobics classes geared towards seniors. So, if you enjoy working out with your friends, enroll in a local gym program together!

If you smoke or drink excessively, it’s also vital to kick these habits. Limit your alcohol intake to 1 drink per day.

Stimulate Your Brain

Deteriorating brain cells, to some extent, is a natural occurrence. But it is possible to prolong this occurrence and the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

It’s not uncommon to hear about seniors doing brain-stimulating activities. That’s because certain activities stimulate the brain cells and engage the mind.

Those who are more educated are less likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s. And the good news is that it’s never too late to advance your education?

Challenging the brain is the basis of a sharp memory.

Here’s a list of activities that challenge the mind:

• • Jigsaw and crossword puzzles

• • Sudoku and word games

• • Learning a new language or instrument

It’s not uncommon to hear of seniors who enroll in college later in life. Not only do the classes help them stay sharp minded. The socialization also stimulates their minds.

If enrolling in a class doesn’t suit you, try researching a topic that interests you. After doing lots of reading, start a conversation or debate on the subject. You can even write an essay!

Travel, Make Plans, & Prioritize Brain Activity

Leading an active life is the secret to a sharp memory. But there’s more to it than getting off the couch and doing brain-stimulating activities.

Making use of all five senses can help keep our minds healthy and stimulated. Listening to music, cooking, or going to a hands-on museum are some ideas on how to stimulate your senses.

Keeping a calendar or to-do list can also help, as well as changing up your routine. And what better way to challenge your brain than to traveling somewhere unfamiliar?

The bottom line? You have to work at keeping your mind stimulated every day with different activities.

Keep Your Mind Sharp for Years to Come

The possibility of losing your memory someday is downright scary. But by working every day to keep your mind sharp, you can prolong and prevent memory loss. Still, it can be hard to find the time and money to keep your brain continually stimulated. Not to mention, stress can also affect our health and well-being.

It may be possible to eliminate stress by switching to a reverse mortgage. That way, you can spend the money you save on ways to keep your brain healthy and stimulated. To learn more, contact us today!