TIPS FOR SENIORS ON IMPROVING MEMORY

You're telling one of your favorite stories, one that you've told many times, when you suddenly lose your train of thought. You spent the morning looking for your keys before finding them in the bathroom. Your doctor's secretary called earlier this week to ask why you missed your appointment. If these events sound familiar, you are not alone. Memory loss affects millions of senior citizens each year, but there are things that you can do to prevent or even reverse this condition.

PLAY GAMES

Crossword puzzles aren't just a fun way to pass time. Word games give your brain a much-needed workout, helping to improve memory. Other games to try: Chess, Scrabble, Sodoku, Words with Friends, Hangman.

EXERCISE

You already know that exercise helps keep your body fit, but did you know that it is also good for your brain? Exercising several times a week sends signals to your body encouraging the growth and development of new brain cells. It even helps reduce feelings of stress, depression and anxiety, all of which have been linked with memory loss.

READ

You don't have to read Hemingway or the Wall Street Journal; anything will help get the gears in your brain going. Yes, even those tabloids at the checkout lane. You'll get the best results from books and articles that challange your brain, but don't let that stop you from reading the fun stuff.

SOCIALIZE

If you're retired, you might finally have time to do all the things that you enjoy. Grab your partner and a few friends for a game of tennis, a night of dancing, or an afternoon of intellectual conversation. Studies show that social interaction helps reduce depression and improve cognitive function.

SLEEP

Sleep is one of the most important ways to ensure that your memory continues working as well as it should. Make sure that you get at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night, more if needed.

EAT WELL

A diet centered on potato chips and candy bars might seem appealing at first, but it can cause your brain to stop functioning as well as it should. Give your body the nutrients that it needs by eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. The hype about fish being good for memory is well-deserved, as foods rich in Omega-3 have been shown to improve the overall function of the brain. Don't forget to drink plenty of water, as dehydration doesn't do your brain any favors.

TAKE A CLASS

Many colleges offer discounted - or even free - courses for senior citizens. Spend your day solving quadratic equations in Algebra, or dissect a frog or snake in Biology. If college isn't an option you'd like to entertain, take an art or cooking class. Learning new things is an excellent way to keep your memory working well.

KEEP STRESS AT BAY

If you've been paying attention - you know that stress can trigger memory-related issues. Stress leads to the release of cortisol, a hormone that damages the brain. It also makes concentration difficult. There is no one-size-fits-all plan when it comes to stress management, so experiment with different methods until you find the one that works best for you.

source: www.southcoasttoday.com