As we get older, it’s important to keep our mental acuity strong so we can continue to participate in daily life to the fullest extent possible. Keeping our brains healthy and active is as important as keeping our bodies fit.

Swipe through to learn how you can stimulate your brain as you age.

Regular Exercise

Exercise improves blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients necessary for optimal brain function. It helps the brain grow new neurons and it strengthens the connections between them. Working out can also increase the size of parts of the brain that are vital for memory and cognitive function.

Take up Tai Chi

While there are many forms of tai chi, the yang style is typically best for seniors. It combines physical movement with mental exercises that can help older adults improve their thinking skills and walking abilities.

Get Good Sleep

If you’re a poor sleeper, talk to a doctor about how to get more rest. A well-rested brain is a healthy brain. Most experts say seniors need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night.

Learn New Skills

If you'd always wanted to play the drums now’s the time to learn! Or, take a drawing class or learn to speak Japanese. Mastering a new skill is a great way to keep your brain stimulated and healthy. Interestingly, teaching a new skill to someone else is also good for your brain.

Maintain Social Connections

Social interaction is crucial for older adults. It can help maintain mental alertness and improve memory retention. While it might be tempting to slouch on the couch, remote in hand, resist the temptation. Join a bunco or card-playing group, meet friends for lunch or go walking with neighbors.

Stress Management

Many times, addressing the topics discussed in the previous slides will help reduce stress and brain function. But if you’re still having trouble, see a professional who can help you get the help you need to feel more comfortable with everything. This will allow your brain to focus on more important things as you age.

Do Jigsaw Puzzles

Research has shown that putting together jigsaw puzzles puts multiple cognitive abilities into play. Looking at a number of pieces and figuring out where to place them in the larger puzzle is a great way to challenge and exercise your brain.