1. Brain Exercises
For the Older Adult
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2. 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.

3. 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…

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. Websites, Books, & Organizations
AARP
Alzheimer’s Association
National Council on Aging
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