Because I noticed a decline in my own memory and my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the brain became an area of interest to me.
I studied Gerontology on the way to my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and did some online research. The brain is fascinating!
I want to keep as much of mine as possible. How about you?
I will be sharing what the experts are saying and then provide some tools for you to exercise your brain.
How to Improve Your Memory and Increase Your Brain Health
I have read quite a bit of information pertaining to brain health, memory loss, and memory enhancement. I am going to list a general consensus of the top 5 ways to improve your memory and increase your brain health. These are confirmed by the Alzheimer’s Assoc., Psychology Today, brainhealth.gov and the AARP. They are in no particular order.
Healthy Diet
Exercise
Sleep
Social Engagement
Keeping Your Brain Active
HEALTHY DIET
Wherever you turn these days, there is a new diet being advertised. I am not going to advertise one here! Instead, I am going to appeal to what you already know. But please remember that a healthy diet rich in Omega 3’s is one of the best ways to increase memory and improve brain function.
- Fruits and vegetables are tops.
- Whole grains, seeds, and nuts (easy on the nuts) are healthy.
- Fish and poultry (mostly) and lean meats (occasionally) in 4 oz. portions are great protein sources.
- Healthy fats like olive & coconut oil and organic butter (sparingly) are good.
- A fish (krill) oil supplement is recommended to improve your memory. See my pick here.
- NO soda! (One of the worst things to put into your body) regular OR diet.
- Fried foods, chips, candy, alcohol – you know the list – are not good for you. ONCE in a WHILE in tiny doses if you must.
EXERCISE
We know this right? It’s a must ladies and it doesn’t have to be hard. I mean, did you read my blog on Laughter? It’s exercise!! That’s right. Anyway, you have to find something you enjoy that engages your body. Walking, gardening, yoga, cycling etc. are a few examples. It is particularly beneficial to get your heart rate up a bit because it increases blood flow to the brain. Brain health is what we want here right?
SLEEP
Your body rejuvenates while you sleep, and this includes your brain. Your brain ‘resets’ while you sleep, allowing you to gain fresh insight into problems and increasing your creativity. Your memory is enhanced, even by just 4 to 6 hours of good, sound sleep. Sleep tight!
SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT
It is good for your brain for you to be involved with other people. Volunteering brings feelings of happiness and well-being, increasing brain health. Social activities are linked to reduced risk for some health problems, including dementia.
KEEPING YOUR BRAIN ACTIVE
There are many ways to keep your brain active. One way is to continue learning. This is high on the list of increasing brain health. Finishing your degree, taking a class, reading a book, attending a seminar etc. are just a few examples. Here are some courses that may interest you.
Remember girls, a little change can make a big difference!
Thrive! OK? ….. 
I absolutely love your site Robin! Being in my sixties now, I’m finding a lot of changes going on with myself and I want to try to do my best to make sure I don’t “fall by the wayside”. Trying to improve diet and get more exercise. Sometimes it’s a challenge for me to fit it in, but I’m trying. One of the reasons I’m so busy is that I care 24/7 for my father (actually moved in with him) who will be 101 next month! About 1 1/2 years ago, he was given a month to live – had… Read more »
Hi Joanne! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting on the site. 101!! Wow. Keeping the brain active is huge and it’s good he still enjoys doing them. It’s good that you are there for him also! Social interaction is pretty close to the top of the best things you can do for healthy aging. I’ll be 60 this August and like you, trying to improve in any way I can to age as gracefully as possible. Think I’ll go do a crossword puzzle! 🙂