Monday, January 28, 2013

Daily exercises to keep one’s memory sharp

Memory, or its steady decline, remains as one of the sources of anxiety for aging adults. Many people believe that failing memory is part of old age, and they dread having to experience a condition which could practically render a person helpless. However, researchers have found that there are many methods and activities that adults can do to keep their minds in relatively good condition as they age.

Image credit:
health.kioskea.net
For instance, experts recommend learning a new activity, like ballroom dancing. Learning something new is generally good for the brain, and it could be about anything. Still, choosing to learn something that also requires some physical activity easily compounds on the benefits to the body and the brain.

Image credit: teachmetango.com
Weaning oneself off dependence on technology may also do the brain some good. Choosing to use a pen and paper over the keyboard may actually be good for the brain as people have been found to be better at remembering the orientation of a new character if they write by hand. In addition, research in children has also showed that writing by hand activates more regions in the brain.

Apart from vigorous activity, periodic breaks are also recommended. Researchers have found that people who take timely breaks during long study sessions recalled more of what they studied.

Image credit: npr.org

Meanwhile, studies have shown that meditation can also produce some changes in the brain. People who take time to meditate have also been found to be more attentive and have more self-awareness and empathy.

Some decline in cognitive function is normal as people grow older, but through simple tasks such as the ones listed above, adults can lessen age-related forgetfulness and avoid unwanted frustration and helplessness.

BrightStar Care provides more advice on staying healthy on its official website.

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