…Did you know that there are some ways you can improve your memory even if you’re a retiree?
And we’re not talking about magic pills that will instantly make you remember everything you hear, do, or see. In fact, plenty of the most successful ways to improve your memory involve actions that you can easily implement in your day-to-day life, without breaking the piggy bank.
Needless to say, it’s normal to worry about the type of memory loss that is associated with medical conditions, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, that require proper care.
Whether you’re scared of getting sick and losing your ability to remember things or you just want to improve your overall memory health, one thing is for sure: everybody wants to hold on to their memory as much as possible.
We are here to help you, so in this article, we’ll share with you some of the best tips (as experts say) that will improve your memory.
1. Regular check-ups
Just like we’ve previously said, there are some types of medical issues that contribute to or cause memory loss. But those are not the only ones. There are plenty of health affections that can affect your memory’s performance, such as hormonal imbalances, tuberculosis, brain tumors (both benign and cancerous), lack of vitamin B12, thyroid problems, heart disease, stroke, depression, and even blood clots that are just above the surface of your brain.
This is why it is very important to talk to your doctor if you notice any cognitive imbalances that don’t seem to go away on their own. Besides health issues, there are also some types of medication that can affect your memory. This includes antidepressants, muscle relaxants, statins (that are used for lowering cholesterol levels), sleep aids, post-surgical pain medication, cold or allergy medication, and the list can go on.
2. Pay attention to your sleeping habits
Getting a good night’s rest is crucial for having a healthy and well-functioning memory. It is true that a lot of seniors have a hard time falling or staying asleep for a longer period (7 to 9 hours). But that doesn’t mean that you should neglect this issue and believe that it’s normal for people your age.
There are plenty of things that can help you fall asleep faster and be able to rest, such as avoiding caffeine after noon, sleeping in a colder and darker room, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, limiting screen time a few hours prior to bed, and exercising.
If you have a good night’s sleep, your body, your brain, and also your memory will be well-rested and more alert.
3. Exercise
We’re sure that this is not breaking news for you, but it’s really important to have an active lifestyle. Many physicians say that if there’s something good for your heart, it is surely great for your brain as well. That’s why plenty of health experts recommend getting some type of exercise throughout the day.
By regularly performing physical exercises that raise your heart rate and get your blood pumping, you can boost the oxygen levels that your brain receives.
And as you already know, constantly working out can help you with both your physical and mental health, and it can also help you improve your memory.
4. Change your mindset
Your mind is really responsible for a lot of things that you can experience. If you think about the fact that you’re getting older and you believe that every senior loses their ability to focus, to properly walk, and they get more sensitive, you’re more likely to put a lot of stress on your mind.
Furthermore, this can lead to a lot of anxiety and negativity that can affect your memory. We know it’s easier said than done, but you should focus more on the positive side of things. It doesn’t matter how old you are. Think about the fact that you’re a thriving human being, who tries your best to have a healthy lifestyle.
5. Take breaks and meditate
…How often do you allow your mind to wander freely, without consciously thinking about something in particular?
In conformity with a study in PLOS ONE, this kind of activity actually has a big impact on your memory, especially if it happens after a period of learning.
By taking a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes to avoid any type of activity that requires mental effort and focus, your actually allowing your mind to better store the information you learned and place it in your long-term memory.
Another thing you can do is meditation. This relaxing and soothing practice quiets your mind, relaxes your brain and your body, and regulates the nervous system.
You don’t need to spend a lot of time meditating. Only a few minutes a day will do wonders for your memory, as well as your overall mental health.
6. Challenge yourself
You should always work on your mind and make a conscious effort to learn new things and challenge it. The more you work on your brain, the better your memory will be.
You can practice a skill you already have, or even try something new so that your memory and focus will always be on track and alert. You can pick up an instrument course, learn a new language, cook gourmet meals, learn interesting facts about birds and plants, learn how to code websites, and so many other things.
The point of this whole thing is to get out of your comfort zone and never stop doing things to improve your life. The more you work on yourself, the more you’ll notice that your memory is strong and healthy, so try it and you’ll be surprised!
7. Socialize
Many experts say that being isolated and alone all the time is more likely to cause memory decline. So make it a priority to socialize with your friends and family, because it can make a huge difference.
And if you think about it, humans are social creatures, so all of us need plenty of time being surrounded by people we can communicate with and have relationships with.
When you interact with people, your brain releases some chemicals that are essential for your mental health. Furthermore, if you laugh a lot and you engage in activities that are fun, you make those benefits even stronger. Besides that, you’ll notice that you’re a lot happier and more positive.
If you are not able to meet with your friends and family as often as you want, you can also start volunteering, traveling, and joining senior clubs in your city, or even host certain events where you invite people over.
8. Play memory games
Memory games are not just fun but are very useful when it comes to improving your capacity of remembering things, as well as your concentration, focus, and attention.
In addition to that, they also help you work on your critical thinking, your visual recognition, and your attention to detail. If you haven’t tried any memory games yet, here’s a popular one specially created for seniors.
…What do you think about memory games? Do you like them?
CONCLUSION
There are plenty of things you can do to improve your memory, so make sure to take advantage of them. To sum up this article, we can say that in order to be mentally healthy, you should socialize more, have an active lifestyle, challenge your mind, take mental breaks when you feel the need to, meditate, go to your doctor for regular check-ups, and make sure you have a good sleeping schedule.
…Do you know any other methods on how you can improve your memory? If yes, let us know about them by leaving a comment in the section down below!
You may also want to read 8 Most Amazing Places to Retire on The East Coast.
One Response
When there is two of you, it is easier to cope with aging. You can help each other. When you, all of a sudden you find yourself alone. The picture becomes very difficult. One can be fortunate to find another lifetime companion, but that is rare. To leave a life alone can be so devastating. We have many friends in our 80’s who are alone. They are lonely and so empty. I am fortunate that my partner in life is still with me. We both cherish our lives together and we still enjoy till death do we part.