(HealthNewsDigest.com) – As we get older, we all start to worry about getting old. Not so much in a way that can be measured in numbers, but more in a manner of behaviour and capabilities. We all dread being that person others have to make excuses for, or smile at sympathetically in public.
There is a tendency to automatically connect aging with “losing it” a little — but at the same time, all of us know of someone who’s heading towards their ninth decade with all the mental sharpness they brought to their twenties. Losing mental sharpness is far from inevitable if you keep your mind active throughout your life. Here are five great ideas to get you started on doing just that.
1. Let’s Get Quizzy!
Over the course of our years on this Earth, we pick up knowledge often without even realizing we’re doing it. We read, watch TV, carry out DIY around the house, and all the while we’re accumulating facts. You may not think of this as general knowledge, but sit and watch a few TV quizzes and you’ll be surprised how often that knowledge comes in useful. Play along for a chance to both make use of your existing knowledge, as well as learning something new.
2. An Active Mind in an Active Body
The Roman poet Juvenal wrote about “mens sana in corpore sano” – literally “a healthy mind in a healthy body”. (There you go; that’s something that could easily come up in a quiz.) He had a point too, because keeping your body active will keep your brain working too. Exercising — from a brisk walk to a workout in the gym — helps relieve stress, improves memory and aids sleep; all of which will keep your mind healthier for longer.
3. Make Time to Play
Keeping yourself sharp should not feel like a chore. If you see it as another box to tick, then you can grow discouraged on days when you’re just not in the mood for something studious. To combat this, introduce a play element to life, just for pure joy. Sample video gaming or take up online casino games: while the HD graphics and flashy titles may seem like they’re aimed at a younger audience, things are getting easier for older, less tech savvy individuals who want to jump in – even when it comes to adding funds. For the money cautious elderly, they should try this deposit method which is safe, quick and super simple to use. If this style of gaming isn’t for you though, you could treat yourself to one of the many games consoles on the market — you’ll soon see it is fun for all the ages.
4. Live, Love and Laugh
You can surround yourself with friends, or just have one person who you’d trust to the ends of the Earth. Whatever you choose, it’s good to have someone to talk to, laugh with and trust. A partner in crime, a posse, whatever you prefer – conversation helps you to stay in the moment and sharpens the mind, so don’t miss out on a chance for social interaction. They’ll also provide emotional support, which will help a lot when it comes to mental fortitude.
5. Eat Right; Indulge Occasionally
It would be great news if candy bars and chips were perfect brain food; alas, no. To keep your mind strong, you need to pick the right things to eat. It’s not all bad news: egg yolks are excellent for your brain, as are blueberries. Dark chocolate is also highly recommended, and then there is the importance of indulgence — give yourself a day a week to enjoy treats guilt-free, making sure you get the best of both worlds.
These are just a few ideas: you can probably add a few to the list yourself, can’t you?