6 tips to keep your brain healthy and active as you age

We all get older but that doesn’t mean our brain function has to. According to the CDC, most people experience a small—yet noticeable—decline in memory. However, it’s not normal when you start forgetting normal tasks like turning the oven off or taking your daily medications.

While you can’t fight every aspect of nature and genetics, you shouldn’t resign to a life with less brainpower. In fact, there are many ways you can keep your mind sharp and active while you age.

When you’re keeping your body active, it’s much more likely that your mind will follow suit and there’s science to prove it. A 2019 study published in Neurology showed marked cognitive functioning improvements in adults who regularly participated in aerobic exercise.

The study concludes, “The effect of aerobic exercise on executive function was more pronounced as age increased, suggesting that it may mitigate age-related declines… aerobic exercise contributes to brain health in individuals as young as age 20.”

No matter your age, getting started now on heart-healthy exercise can only benefit you in the future.

Just like nearly every other aspect of health, your diet greatly affects your brain wellness. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are several diets that can be beneficial in keeping your brain healthy.

One suggested diet is the MIND diet. The MIND diet, short for Mediterranean-Dash Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, helps reduce high blood pressure, which is known to cause cognitive decline. If you’re following this diet, you’ll likely be eating lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, chicken, and olive oil. A 2015 study found that participants who strictly followed the MIND diet experienced a 53% reduction in risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

If you smoke, you may think the habit actually helps your brain function better. But it’s not true. The Utah Department of Health states that smoking can affect your brain health.

Learning a new skill can significantly improve your brain health. That’s no surprise when you think about your favorite hobbies, which likely require both your brain and body to be active. Learning something new, whether it’s knitting or yoga or golf, can help your brain stay active.

Additionally, hobbies are often social, and connecting with others around you is also beneficial for your health.

Social connections aren’t just beneficial to your emotional health – they’re crucial when it comes to keeping your brain healthy and active. According to AARP, people who are socially engaged have a lower risk of brain function decline and dementia than those who are not.

If you have a supportive circle of family and friends, be sure you’re doing your best to nurture those relationships. If you feel lonely or isolated, find ways to build your social circle – like meeting your neighbors, getting a pet, or joining a book club.

Reading and writing regularly can help you keep your mind active and sharp. If you’ve got a long list of books you’ve been meaning to read but never made the time for, there’s good reason to carve out time for them now.

Whether you’re reading the newspaper, writing in a journal, or posting your political thoughts online, you’re giving your brain a beneficial workout. According to a study performed by the National Institute on Aging, lifelong learning and intellectual engagement are important for staying mentally alert.

While you can’t turn the clock back, you can certainly help keep your brain healthy and active. After all, you’ve earned the knowledge and memories you gained over the years – and you can help protect them, too.

Make sure you age well by taking care of your mind and body. The Utah Department of Health encourages you to talk to your doctor about problems with thinking, memory, or behaviors. Visit agewell.health.utah.gov to learn more.