While you can't actually exercise the brain like you can the muscles in the body, you can work out the brain through games and activities that encourage memory, reasoning and memorization, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Brain health and fitness incorporates a blend of social interaction, physical activity, a healthy lifestyle and mental games that keep the brain synapses firing and new nerve pathways developing.
Mental Activities
The brain doesn't gradually rot away as part of the aging process, but may slow down due to lack of use, suggests the Alzheimer's Association. Mentally challenging activities help the brain maintain optimal function, create new brain cells and pathways, and help stave off decline caused by lack of stimulating activities, new experiences and under-use of reasoning and functional skills. Activities that stimulate the brain include learning a new language, and doing crossword puzzles, other word games and math games like Sudoku.
Maintain Social Stimulation
Exercising the brain means keeping it stimulated with new adventures and events. Make sure you or a loved one gets out with friends or enjoys the company of others on a regular basis, suggests Michael Rucker, writing for BrainFitnessforLife.com. Not only does social interaction keep seniors engaged and involved in community and family, it helps prevent depression and feelings of inadequacy or self-worth.
Physical Exercise
Physical exercise helps get the blood pumping, which floods the brain with oxygen-rich blood and nutrients essential for brain health and the development of new brain cells. Exercise may also decrease the risk of clogged arteries in the brain that lead to stroke. A minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity every day is adequate, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Try New Things
Taking up a new hobby is a way to keep the brain fit and healthy. Try leaving your comfort zone, suggests the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). If you're already adept at crossword puzzles, try math games. Engage in a new hobby or craft to challenge reasoning, logic and thought processes and speed.
Eat Healthy Snacks
Choosing healthy snacks rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may help slow or prevent damage and destruction to vital cells in the brain and throughout the body, according to the AARP. Some choices include blueberries and almonds, which may also help lower blood sugar and improve memory and thinking skills and speed.
