Brain Exercises For the Older Adult Graphic

Engage Your Brain Falling into a routine does not allow you to use your brain’s full power. Engage all of your brain by switching up your routines. This will help activate parts of your brain that were not being used! Here are some things you may want to try: Take a different route to the store Switch up your morning routine Pick coins up by touch instead of sight Play games like crossword puzzles, word games, sudoku, and puzzles.

Stay Socially Connected Having strong social connections has been linked to less mental limitations, and people living more active and pain free lifestyles. You are exposed to more variability, more excitement, and more unpredictability which challenges your brain. Here are examples of great social activities: wine tasting events, dancing, group traveling, volunteer work, exercise groups, etc…

Focus on a Brain Healthy Diet Vegetables have been shown to help learning and memory Try eating colorful and leafy green vegetables. Antioxidants help to reduce the effects of oxidative damage to cells Focus on eating blueberries, strawberries, prunes, oranges, corn, onions, and beets. Omega-3 Fatty Acids may help to slow the aging process of the brain. Sources of this are tuna, whitefish, and anchovies.

Practice Regular Exercise The benefits of exercise for your body are well known, but did you know that exercise can also help to strengthen your brain as well. Exercise has been shown to: Improve concentration and attention Improve blood flow to the brain Prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease Increase brain cell development and survival Boost self confidence and mood

Sleep Well Just because you are older doesn’t mean you need more sleep. The time you go to bed may change, but you still need the same amount of sleep as you did during early adulthood. Not getting enough sleep can lead to being more stressed, lessened alertness, poor concentration, and poorer memory function. Here are some tips to getting a better nights sleep: Avoid caffeine late at night Have a regular bed time and waking time Avoid large meals before going to bed Keep the room temperature steady Exercise regularly

Websites, Books, & Organizations AARP www.aarp.org Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org National Council on Aging www.ncoa.org Books Keep Your Brain Alive: 83 Neurobic Exercises, by Lawrence C. Katz, Manning Rubin and David Suter The Memory Bible: An Innovative Strategy for Keeping Your Brain Young, by Gary Small