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Keep The Aging Mind Active
One of the biggest concerns associated with aging is memory loss. But there are some ways that people can exercise the brain to prevent memory decline. Keep the mind active with these 3 fun tips.
Prevent memory decline
Many people don’t notice memory problems until older age. But there are some ways to keep the mind active and sharp. In some cases, keeping the brain active can prevent memory decline.
1: Pick up a new hobby
One of the best ways to keep the mind active is to learn new things. Learn to cook a new cuisine, pick up the guitar, or join a bowling league. Engaging in new activities keeps creating new connections between brain cells. In turn, this keeps the brain younger.
Challenging the brain creates new neural circuits. Essentially, the more neural circuits a person has, the less likely the person is to experience a decrease in memory. These neural circuits make it harder for the changes to happen that are associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.
2: Increase social time
During social interactions, blood flows to different parts of the brain that help in listening and formulating responses. Additionally, getting enough social time can help prevent depression. Depression is closely linked to how the brain functions.
When someone has depression, long-term exposure to stress can cause the hippocampus to shrink. The hippocampus is a part of the brain that has a vital role in the storing of memories. To prevent lasting memory decline, people with depression should speak with a healthcare provider to find treatment.
3: Move more
Most people know that movement is good for cardiovascular, joint, and bone health. Exercise is beneficial for the brain as well. Recent studies have found that regular aerobic exercise not only keeps the heart pumping well but also boosts the size of the hippocampus, which naturally declines with age. The hippocampus is critical in memory capabilities.
Improve memory
While many people experience a natural decrease in memory with aging, there are ways to slow this decline. Learning new activities, socializing, and moving more can all help to keep the mind active and improve memory.
