Many of us devote time each week to physical fitness activities. From walking to swimming to biking, we try to keep our bodies physically fit. But what about brain health? Are there steps you can take to keep your brain healthy and ward off memory loss?

While physical fitness does help keep your brain healthier, there are other steps you can take to protect cognitive health.

One of the challenges many of us face is finding time to learn new skills and develop new hobbies. When your brain isn't processing new and different information it isn't being stimulated. Researchers say being stuck in the same daily routine may contribute to memory loss. Learning new skills can give your brain the workout it needs.

Brain Aerobics to Promote Healthy Aging

Experts from the Alzheimer's Research & Prevention Foundation say the best types of brain aerobics:

  • Engage more than one of the senses
  • Are interesting enough to keep your attention
  • Offer a break from routine

Here are a few brain boosting ideas to explore:

  • Learn a new language: Borrow foreign language CDs from your library or find an inexpensive set online. As you complete your housework or run errands, pop a disc in to your CD player. Devoting even 10 minutes a day to practicing a new language will benefit your brain.
  • Making music: Many of us harbor a secret desire to learn how to play a guitar, the piano or even master the drums. Besides being fun, tackling a new instrument can also help stimulate the brain.
  • Games and puzzles: From crossword puzzles to word search, euchre, and even poker, playing games and working puzzles is another avenue for pumping up your grey matter. You can invite friends and make 'game night' a monthly social event.
  • Art classes: One way to expand your social circles while also improving brain health is by taking an art class. Most senior centers, community education programs, art museums, art supply stores, and community colleges offer reasonably priced classes for seniors. Topics often range from photography to watercolor painting.
  • Read more: Whether it is the local newspaper or a novel on your iPad, reading helps keep your brain stimulated. Most local libraries have lending programs that allow readers to borrow e-books at no cost.

A Holistic Approach to Wellness

At Five Star Senior Living communities, you will find a full calendar of life enrichment activities for residents to enjoy each day. Our holistic approach to wellness means programs and events are designed to engage the body, mind, and spirit.

The best way to learn more is by joining us for an activity or two at your convenience. Call the community nearest you to receive a copy of our monthly life enrichment calendar!

Five Star Senior Living Inc. published this content on 23 January 2018 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 23 January 2018 17:29:01 UTC.

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