Brain training
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A key element of physical well-being for older Americans is regular exercise, but don’t forget to work on your mental acuity, says the Association of Mature American Citizens. It’s not enough to take your morning or evening constitutional, you’ve got to exercise your brains as well.
Consider a brain training regimen consisting of memory exercises such as completing the crossword puzzle in your morning newspaper and remembering the lyrics of those golden oldies you enjoyed in your younger days. Combine that with the task of looking up a new word in the dictionary each day, learning what it means and then using it as often as you can. And, says AMAC, play mind games such as chess or you can try tackling a jig saw puzzle. Such activities are challenging and provide exercise for those gray cells.
Diet is important, too. Foods such as eggs, fish and, whether you like it or not, broccoli and Brussels sprouts help increase the production of Acetylcholine in the brain. It’s a neurotransmitter that helps improve the thought process.
