by Sandra Petersen

Created on: October 13, 2008   Last Updated: May 02, 2012

Memory and thinking skills decline with age but some people retain their intellectual and mental abilities into their twilight years. What can you do to continue to think clearly?

The Importance of Exercise

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week. Aerobic exercise keeps the cardiovascular system fit and increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain and other parts of the body. Oxygen is essential for the health of brain cells. Many writers state that some of their most creative ideas come to them when they take a walk.

Reduce Your Stress Levels

Stress reduction seems almost easier to say than accomplish. Internal confusion and anxiety can lead to eventual health problems. One way you can reduce stress is by changing your physical environment. Eliminate the clutter in your home or office. Set aside a place where you can have some uninterrupted quiet time and meditation.

Keep a calendar

Or keep a list so you remember meetings and appointments well before you must attend to them. Learn to say no. Do not procrastinate with important projects. Communicate with others around you in a positive way. Negativity drains the brain of its energy. Find a relaxing activity to engage in a few times a week.

Good Sleep

Most people in this country are suffering from sleep deprivation of their own choosing. Every adult should have at least seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night. To get the deep sleep required to refresh the mind, you should set an appointment with yourself to be in bed by a certain time each night. Relax by reading, having a foot massage, or taking a warm bath. Do your exercise five to six hours before your bedtime and no later. If you can not sleep, return to the relaxing activity until you are drowsy.

Good Nutrition

Omega-3 fatty acids in fish and canola oil help to build up the outer cell membranes of brain cells and cover any newly formed nerve cell connections with a fatty protective sheath. The B vitamin choline enhances memory retention and reduces fatigue by speeding up signal transmissions to brain cells. Eggs supply choline. Sugars and complex carbohydrates in apples, berries, and citrus provide long term energy to the brain.

Brain Activities

Keep your mind sharp by challenging it. Memorize meaningful and affirming quotations or Scripture verses. Learn a new skill or activity. This creates new neural connections and enhances your memory. Study a foreign language, learn the terminology for a new interest like cave spelunking or astronomy, or learn a new vocabulary word daily. Volunteer to tutor. Both your student and you can search together for answers. Some online websites supply you with brain games for a subscription but many let you play for free. Purchase a magazine containing crosswords, cryptograms, Sudoku, and other puzzles.

Through exercise, stress reduction, quality sleep, good nutrition, and brain activities, your mind should stay sharp for many years.

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