As people age, they frequently worry about small memory lapses, such as misplaced keys or a forgotten name. While memory loss and slower recall of information is normal for most people as they age, especially after the age of 60, the brain produces new brain cells throughout life. As an elderly person, you can improve your memory and prevent memory loss as you age by working your brain, much as you would exercise a muscle.
Neurobic Exercises
Neurobic exercises force you to use your brain in ways you aren't used to. To be neurobic, brain exercises must do one or more of the following: require the use of one or more senses in an unfamiliar way; peak your interest by being fun, unusual or engaging to your emotions; or alter a routine activity in unexpected way. Brushing your teeth with your nondominant hand can be challenging enough to engage dormant connections in your brain and create new brain pathways. Or drive home using a completely new route.
Learn New Skills
Learn a new skill by learning a new language, taking a course in a subject that is new to you or mastering a game of strategy such as chess. Learning new skills is a highly effective exercise for improving your memory. Make sure the new skill is of personal interest to you, fun and challenging, so you engage your brain and your senses in new ways.
Design, Plan and Strategize
Exercise your brain by engaging in activities that involve designing a project, strategizing or following a plan. Choose a project such as a quilt or a garden that requires you to execute a plan to complete a difficult or challenging task. Play strategy games, word games or number puzzles to sharpen your ability to recall information.
Memory Games
Play interactive memory games on your computer. The Exploratorium, an educational website, provides free memory games for people of all ages to exercise their memory. One of the four games it provides is Memory Solitaire, which requires you to look for two minutes at a chart containing 20 pictures, after which you turn away from the screen and write down the names of the pictures you remember. You can play this Memory Solitaire, or similar games, many times to improve your ability to recall.
Physical Exercise
Physical activity and exercise improve your memory and prevent memory loss by increasing oxygen to your brain. Physical exercise also reduces your risk of developing medical conditions that can cause memory loss, such as heart disease and diabetes. Regular physical exercise, such as walking, can strengthen the positive effects of chemicals in your brain and protect your brain cells.
A Tip and a Warning
Try mnemonic devices, which are words or images you associate with the information you want to recall or remember. Talk to your doctor if your memory lapses become frequent or severe enough to worry you or your family.
