As humans we lose things all the time—car keys, receipts, jobs, loved ones—but memory is perhaps the most tragic. The ability to create short- and long-term memories is unique and crucial to both our survival and our happiness. So it’s no surprise that seniors are often fearful and upset when they realize that their aging brain is losing its talent for remembrance. Although this is often a natural side effect of aging, there are ways to lessen and prevent it. To help, today we’re discussing how seniors can improve memory.
How Seniors Can Improve Memory
Exercise your brain. If your brain isn’t stimulated and challenged, it might become lazy and lose its ability to remember things quickly. Luckily, there are numerous ways to exercise your brain, so simply find the activities that you like best. You could work on crossword puzzles, read articles or books, play chess or Sudoko, learn a new skill (a language, a musical instrument, etc.), or even play memory-focused games online. Find a hobby that you love and stick with it!
Focus on physical health. Your physical health can affect your memory, so remember to take care of your body as well as your mind. First, remember to exercise regularly, whether you prefer organized classes or simple walks around the block. Next, eat a healthy diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, and omega-3 fats. Finally, get plenty of sleep (about 7-8 hours each night is recommended).
Stay social. Socializing isn’t just a way to stave off loneliness and connect with other people; it also wards off depression, lowers your stress levels, and challenges your mind. It is especially beneficial to socialize whilst involved in another brain-activating activity. For example, you might play cards with your grandchildren, join a book club, or gather friends for a game of trivia.
Get organized. You know what they say: cluttered home, cluttered mind! To ensure that you won’t misplace anything or forget important tasks, make your home an organized environment. Eliminate clutter, create to-do lists, use a calendar, and form a dedicated spot for important items like your keys and wallet. This organization will help you limit distractions, clear your head, and amplify your ability to focus.
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Finally, it is important that seniors and their loved ones know the difference between normal, age-related memory changes and symptoms of dementia. Occasional memory lapses are normal, and everyone forgets words from time to time. However, if you can’t perform simple tasks, you frequently get lost, you repeat stories in the same conversation, or you are showing poor judgment, make an appointment with your doctor to be sure that your memory issues don’t point toward dementia.
Are you looking for an assisted living facility in Tennessee? If so, be sure to check out Hearthside Senior Living Place. We have two locations—one in Collierville and one soon to open in Bartlett— and we would be happy to schedule a tour for you so that you can explore your preferred facility, meet some of the residents, and ask any questions you might have. We look forward to meeting you!