Bharat SainiLast Updated on August 7, 2014 by Bharat Saini
Mental deterioration can happen to all of us. It begins with forgetting the simplest of things like keys, names or what you were meant to be doing. It is an upsetting concept and frightens everyone. As we age, we would like to be able to keep mentally fit and healthy but unfortunately, we cannot prevent it. While there is always help and support to guide as through our senior years, there are some things you ca do that can keep your mind feeling younger for a bit longer;
Mental stimulation
It is important to keep the mind as active as possible. Taking up courses and learning new skills may help keep the memory strong by getting it into the habit of being mentally dynamic. Partaking in mental games such as word puzzles or maths problems can contribute to enhancing mental activity. It can also contribute to building connections between nerve cells as well as developing new cells.
Talking and socialising can also exercise the memory. Meeting new people and learning things about them will hone and sharpen the minds edges’, learning new names is another good exercise and constantly repeating those names whenever you meet them. Frequently challenge your mind by seeking out new experiences.
Dieting
No matter what age you are, diet is still important for mental well-being. Ensure that you consume foods that are rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants. The three B’s are especially important, folic acid, B6 and B12. Vitamins C,D and E are just as important as they can reduce cell damage. Limit your alcohol intake to two glasses a day and keep to red wine as this is rich in folic acids and these can lower your levels of homocysteine which is linked to dementia. Foods that help improve the immune system are beneficial as illness can have an effect on mood.
Physical exercise
As well as training your mind, train your body as well. Keeping fit and healthy has been linked to decrease the risk of mental depression. The endorphins released from exercise can lead to an increased sense of well-being.
As well as training your mind, train your body as well. Keeping fit and healthy has been linked to decrease the risk of mental depression. The endorphins released from exercise can lead to an increased sense of well-being.
Exercise has also been linked to the development of new nerve cells and amplifies the connection between brain cells. It can also increase the tiny blood vessels that can bring oxygen-rich blood to the area of the brain responsible for thought.
Confidence
It may sound far-fetched, but being presented with negative images about failing memory can have detrimental effects. People, who believe that they are not in control of their memory, will lose the will to maintain it. Those who are presented with a positive outlook and support do better at keeping their mind sharp. Try to avoid giving into defeatism.
There are more tips than the ones mentioned above to keeping a sharp and stable mind. There are other techniques like creating mnemonics and organising important information into files to economise the brain. Keep socialising and surround yourself with encouragement as depression is one of the factors of mental decline. Ensuring that you encircle yourself with positive messages and keeping the mind active can have a long lasting, excellent impact.
