By: Dr. Duane DiFranco, vice president of Medicare Stars and Clinical Management at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
When people think of exercise, mental fitness is typically not the first thing that comes to mind. However, regularly flexing our brain muscles is critical to maintaining optimal brain function as we age. In fact, approximately two out of three Americans experience some level of cognitive impairment in late adulthood with a 37 percent lifetime risk of dementia for women and 24 percent risk for men. Just as physical activity and a balanced diet contribute to a healthy body, similar preventive measures positively contribute to a healthy mind. Consider trying a few of these fun cognitive activities either alone or with family and friends for a great weekly (or daily!) mental workout.
- Play Brain Games. Whether it’s alone or with a group, brain teaser games are a great way to keep the brain active and avoid cognitive decline by improving processing speed, decision-making and short-term memory. For individual play, try a crossword puzzle, sudoku or jigsaw puzzle. With a group of family and friends, card games, trivia, bingo or scrabble are all great options to get everyone involved.
- Get Crafty. From painting and woodwork to photography and ceramics, engaging in crafts can help sharpen hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Completing projects independently can also instill a sense of accomplishment and pride, which increases overall well-being.
- Learn Something New. Taking on new experiences, whether it’s learning a new skill or participating in a new hobby stimulates the brain to generate new neural connections and increase neuroplasticity. These connections support and strengthen our sensory, motor and cognitive skills. For example, learning a foreign language engages the brain’s ability to receive and interpret new sounds, which has also been shown to deter early dementia in seniors.
- Be Social. People tend to withdraw from social interactions more as they age, but having regular conversations is important to maintain critical thinking skills and promotes healthy brain stimulation. Make time to meet up, call or video chat with friends and family members weekly even if it’s just a short check-in.
- Write It Down. Whether it’s a journal, daily list of activities, poems or stories, writing things down not only stimulates our brain cells, but it can also be effective at improving memory and strengthening neural connections for increased brain function as people age.
- Attend Regular Check-Ups. Making regular doctor appointments is essential to staying on top of both physical and mental health needs. Be sure to write down any concerns that should be addressed with the doctor, especially those pertaining to increased memory loss or frequent confusion.
Just like the body, the brain requires regular exercise to stay healthy and strong. Incorporating one or more of these activities can help delay the cognitive decline that often progresses as we age. For more mental health resources, visit www.bcbsm.com/mentalhealth.
About Post Author
