30 Sep Memory and Aging—How to Boost Your Memory at Any Age
Memory and aging are two concepts that are often linked, but they don’t have to be. Getting older doesn’t necessarily have to come with a decrease in memory!
There are things you can do at any age to boost your memory so you can stay sharp well into old age.
Learn something new
Your brain is wired to use a minimum of mental effort, which is great in the moment, but it can lead to memory degeneration. You can force your brain to use its neural pathways by learning something new.
Learning something new is challenging, it’s rewarding, and it can be a springboard to learning other new things, which are all great for your memory.
It doesn’t matter what that new skill is either! Learn how to cook a new recipe, learn how to play the guitar, or figure out how to use all the features on your new iPhone.
Get social
You’re more likely to think of crossword puzzles than social activities when it comes to boosting your memory, but it turns out, the latter is much better for your brain.
Humans are inherently social, which means fostering social connections can boost emotional and brain health. Harvard recently found that people with active social lives have the slowest rate of memory decline.
Call an old friend, volunteer, or join a club. Even getting a pet can provide you with a brain-boosting relationship!
Use mnemonic devices
How many times have you forgotten a name, number, or address as soon as it was told to you? Use a mnemonic device, like visual images, acronyms, or rhymes to practice remembering details at any age.
If you’re struggling with the challenges of memory and aging, contact Life & Health Care. We can support memory retention while caring for you or a loved one.