Tips to Keep Your Mind Sharp as You Age

Growing older doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to mental acuity!

From nourishing your mind and body with brain-boosting foods, to building and maintaining cognitive skills, here are a few useful tips to keep your mind sharp and ready as you age.

Exercise Your Grey Matter

Just like your body needs consistent activity to stay healthy, your brain needs a regular workout to stay sharp. So, how do you give your brain a good workout? That’s up to you! Any task that involves concentration and problem-solving will do the trick. Gardening, painting, baking, or even cleaning will have a positive effect on your mind. Or, if you’d like to exercise your cognitive muscles while you kick back with a cuppa, why not try a jigsaw puzzle, crossword, or game of Sudoku? Brain training doesn’t have to feel like a workout; it can be just as enjoyable as relaxing in front of the TV.

Eat Mindfully

A well-nourished body = a happy, sharp brain. So, pay attention to your diet as you age, and incorporate some brain-happy foods into your regular meals. Start by loading up on brain-boosting nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts, and seeds. Add in some antioxidants from colourful fruits and veggies (broccoli, carrots, pumpkin, blueberries, and strawberries all contain antioxidants). And don’t forget hydration—water is the brain and body’s best friend.

Note: Always consult your GP or a dietician before making any changes to your diet.

Stay Social

Did you know that hanging out with friends and family is fantastic for your brain? When we connect and socialise with others, we practice (and strengthen!) a whole range of cognitive skills without even knowing it. You’ll likely use memory, attention, and problem-solving skills—just to name a few!

Not only does socialising help you exercise your cognitive muscles, but studies say that social interaction can help minimise your risk of dementia and memory concerns. So, go for it next time your friend invites you out, or there’s a community event in your neighbourhood. Your brain will thank you for the workout, and you’ll probably have a blast, too.

Here at Simply Helping, we offer a great range of home care services to older Australians from all walks of life. We can take you shopping for a new puzzle, transport you to and from a loved one’s house, or prepare a brain-boosting meal for tea! Click here to learn more, or click here to find your nearest Simply Helping location and contact us today.