By Cathi Coppinger
Someone recently asked a neurologist to name the top five things we should be doing to keep our brains sharp as we get older.
Here’s what he said:
- Keep socializing. You’re less likely to suffer memory loss as you get older if you have a social life. So pick hobbies that involve other people, not just stuff you do by yourself.
- Challenge your brain. Read, play games, and do crossword puzzles. And try something NEW every once in a while, like learning a new instrument or another language.
- Don’t stress out too much. A ton of studies have found that too much stress can have long-term effects on your memory and your decision-making skills.
- Exercise. It improves blood flow to your brain, which helps you stay focused. And it also helps with memory.
- Stop eating empty calories. Your brain works best when your diet is high in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, which you can get from whole grains.
