As you age, muscle atrophy affects the brain, causing cognitive impairment. Fortunately, there are mental fitness exercises you can practice for brain activation. With a few memory exercises, you can keep your brain health in tip-top shape.
Cognitive decline is a natural part of aging, but there are many brain exercises to practice that can help improve memory. #UnlimitedCareCottages Share on XWhat are some simple ways to boost your memory?
It doesn’t take much to stimulate parts of the brain. Something as small as imagining a word and then spelling it out can boost your brain cells, sharpen motor skills, and improve decision-making abilities. Here are 5 exercises to boost your memory:
- Recall Test
- Learning Something New
- Reading
- Writing
- Playing a Game
1) Recall Test
You can challenge yourself by testing your recall with everyday household items. Write a grocery list, repeat it out loud, then flip it over and see what you can remember from the list without looking at it. You can also look at a picture in a magazine for a minute, then put it away and try to recall the colors of the items or shapes in the picture.
2) Learning Something New
Learn a foreign language, join a quilting group, or read music in a group setting. Taking a group class improves memory and provides socialization which is vital for emotional wellness. A cooking or music class will activate your senses, providing even more stimulation. Most memory care facilities offer engaging activities for residents, usually based on their interests and hobbies.
3) Reading
Don’t forget about the value of reading. It improves concentration and comprehension and encourages the reader to use their imagination. Commit to read every day, and learn a new word every week. Try to memorize passages you find especially moving. Occasionally mix things up and choose something you don’t normally read, such as poetry or short stories.
4) Writing
Equally important to memory is writing. Writing something down commits it to memory better than typing it on a computer. Writing also offers the opportunity to challenge yourself. For example, try to write with your non-dominant hand.
5) Playing a Game
Something as simple as a crossword puzzle or word search help to greatly improve memory.
Commit to playing games whenever the opportunity presents itself. Learn how to play chess, or teach a friend how to play cards. Even a quiet game of solitaire can improve brain function!
Pro Tip: A trustworthy assisted living facility can provide your aging loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia with these important memory boosting skills on a daily schedule.
Exercise Your Mind
The brain is no different than any other organ or muscle in your body. The more you exercise, the better it will function. Left neglected, it will rapidly decline. Get started with these 5 incredible memory-boosting exercises.
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