For older adults, it should be a priority to work out the brain, focusing on general memory skills and tropical functionality for the mind. Even if you don’t have much time, there are several basic exercises you can bring into your life that will provide an excellent foundation for the remaining days of your brain.
If you’re interested in learning more about some of the top mental exercises to keep your mind sharp in your later years, you’re in the right place. The more you know about keeping your brain in excellent condition, the easier it will be to age. Keep reading to learn more about nine of our favorite mental workouts for an aging individual.
1. Learn a New Language
According to a study, learning two or more languages as an adult will provide a layer of defense to your brain as you age. Although it might be tricker to learn as an adult, it’s far from impossible and will stretch and sharpen your brain as you undergo the learning process.
Popular languages to learn include French, Italian, and Spanish, and they all share much of the same language roots, so they are some of the easiest to understand. There are ample programs you can purchase, classes to take in-person and online, and books to invest in or borrow from the library.
Related: How to Learn a Language at Home
2. Put Together a Jigsaw Puzzle
Another tactic to use is to put together a jigsaw puzzle. The best part about this process is that it doesn’t matter how many pieces you use or how complicated the image you’re putting together – it all works together for the benefit of the brain.
Several studies support the idea that doing puzzles protects the aging brain and improves overall cognitive abilities. The challenging task works as you take in pieces and try to formulate the bigger picture in your mind.
3. Use Your Non-Dominant Hand
Most of us determine our dominant hand at birth and continue to use it for the rest of our lives. One way to keep your brain sharp is to use your non-dominant hand – a simple switch for activities like eating or writing will trigger both creative and cognitive functions.
Of course, it will be a struggle to use your non-dominant hand for various processes. However, it’s worth it to switch over for at least a few minutes a day. Over time, it will improve.
4. Play a New Instrument
According to one study, playing an instrument engages several parts of your brain, assisting with your overall mood and memory processes. No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to pick up an instrument and begin the learning process.
One of the easiest instruments to master as an adult is the piano. However, you can always take on a challenge and try selections like the flute, clarinet, trumpet, and more. You’ll assist your brain and bring new life to your ears.
5. Try Dual n-Back Training
Dual n-back training is a famous cognitive practice that forces the individual to remember stimuli in the visual and auditory categories. Typically, the individual will listen to sequenced numbers or remember squares on a grid and must repeat them back to the person monitoring the training.
This training will force your brain to work hard and thus will sharpen the brain. Memory will improve, and there are ample resources, both online and in books, that will provide a simple way to train your brain and increase your ability to think and remember as an older adult.
6. Play Sudoku
Sudoku is a numbers game that has been around for many years, available in little booklets, online, and even in newspapers and magazines. It’s a 9×9 grid with smaller squares inside, and the player must list numbers 1-9 in every row, horizontally and vertically, without anything overlapping.
The brain becomes highly active as the person playing sudoku tries to solve the problem, as it’s a very logical process. Not only does sudoku sharpen the mind, but it could be helpful to those with depression, Alzheimer’s, bipolar disorder, and more.
7. Game with Cards
Although card games seem simple, they are one of the best ways to sharpen an aging brain. The activity is mentally stimulating, which means, according to one study, cards can improve memory, thinking abilities, and open up brain volume in several regions.
Some of the best card games include gin rummy, poker, solitaire, bridge, crazy eights, hearts, and more. No matter what card game you play as a senior, it will assist your various brain processes.
8. Utilize Meditation
Meditation is a valuable skill anyone can do and anyone will benefit from it. In fact, according to one study, meaningful meditation can improve brain processes and assist with detailing your memory.
Along with these brain processes, mediation will also assist with calming you down and improving your mood. All it takes is five minutes a day of meditation to achieve this, though you can always extend it.
Related: A Simple Guide to Starting Your Meditation Practice
9. Pick a New Route
One of the worst things you can do for your brain is to repeat the same thing over and over again. If you take the same walking or driving route to your everyday locations, it might be time to switch up the path you take.
For example, you might want to try walking or biking to a spot if you usually drive. If you stick with driving, challenge yourself and try to take another route. Every little thing will help as you try to sharpen your brain processes.
Final Thoughts
From learning a new language to picking a new route to get to your prominent daily locations, there are many things you can do to benefit your mind. No matter how old you are, there are ways to work out your mind.
Whether you want to incorporate one or multiple of these at a time, there are ample choices available for seniors. Start with one and bring in more as it feels appropriate.
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