13 Brain Exercises That Boost Memory for the Elderly
Our brain is responsible for everything we do daily, and it, like any other part of the body, requires intense care.
Many people prioritize brain exercise to improve memory, concentration, or everyday performance, particularly as they become older. However, people of all ages can profit from integrating a few simple brain exercises into their daily lifestyle.
In this article, we will go over some brain exercises to boost memory for the elderly in greater detail.
Table of Contents
Brain exercises
According to recent studies, there are numerous ways to sharpen your mental acuity and keep your brain healthy at any age. Specific brain exercises can help improve your memory, focus, make daily tasks faster and easier to complete, and keep your brain sharp as you age.
Here we will take a closer look at the 13 evidence-based exercises that provide the most brain-boosting benefits.
Do a jigsaw puzzle
Doing a jigsaw puzzle is a fantastic way of improving your brain function, whether you’re trying to put together a 1,000-piece picture of the Eiffel Tower or assembling 100 pieces to make Mickey Mouse.
Jigsaw puzzles need to use multiple cognitive abilities and protective factors for visuospatial cognitive aging. In other terms, when you are piecing a jigsaw puzzle together, you must examine each piece and know where it fits within the bigger picture. Doing puzzles can be an excellent way to challenge and exercise your mind.
Play cards
Can you recall the last time you played a card game?
According to a study conducted on mentally stimulating activities for adults in 2015, a fast card game can result in increased brain volume in several brain regions. According to the same study, A game of cards can improve memory, thinking skills, and the ability to decide more quickly.
Here are some tried-and-true card games you can learn:
| solitaire | bridge | gin rummy |
| poker | hearts | crazy eights |
Work on your vocabulary
Having an extensive vocabulary resource can make you appear more intelligent. But did you know that you can turn a quick vocabulary lesson into a fun brain game?
Many more areas of the brain are engaged in vocabulary activities, especially areas essential for visual and auditory processing. Do the cognitive-boosting activity below to put this theory to the test:
- When you read, keep a notebook close to you.
- Make a note of one ambiguous word, then look it up in the dictionary.
- Try to use that word at least five times the following day.
Try dancing
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), trying out new dance moves can improve your brain’s processing speed and memory. In other terms, learn a new move on the dance floor, and your brain will be grateful.
Do you want to put it to the test? Try one of these dance activities:
- Take a class in salsa, tap, or any other dance you like.
- Watch a video of fun dance moves you’ve always wanted to learn online.
- Take up a partner and learn how to ballroom dance.
- Get your friends together and go line dancing.
Use all your senses
A 2015 research study showed using all of your senses may help to boost your brain.
Try performing activities that involve all five of your senses at the same time to exercise both your senses and your brain muscles. You could attempt baking cookies, going to a farmer’s market, or trying a different restaurant while focusing on smelling, touching, tasting, seeing, and hearing all at once.
Learn a new skill
Learning a new skill is both enjoyable and interesting. In addition, it may also aid in the strengthening of neural connections in your brain.
According to research in 2014, taking up a new skill can boost memory function among the elderly.
Is there anything you’ve always wanted to learn but you never had the time? Maybe you’d like to learn to use a specific software program, but you thought you were too old for it. You now have yet another reason to learn that new skill.
Teach a new skill
Teaching a skill to another person is one of the best ways to enlarge your knowledge. You must practice a new skill after learning it. In order to teach it to someone else, you must explain the concept and correct any errors you make. For example, learn how to swing a golf club and then teach the moves to a friend.
Play music or Listen
Do you want a simple way to boost your creative brain power as elders? Turning on some music could be the answer.
According to a study published in 2017, listening to happy music allows making more innovative solutions than being silent. As a result, listening to feel-good music can help boost your thinking skills and brain power.
If you like to learn to play music, no time is better than now to start because your brain can learn new skills at any age, even elderly ages. That is why you are never too old to begin learning to play a musical instrument such as the piano, guitar, or even the drums.
Take a new way
When it comes to your daily chores, don’t get trapped in a cycle. Instead, be willing to experiment with new ways of doing the same things.
Choose a different way to go to a particular place, or try a new mode of transportation, such as taking taxis or taking public transportation instead of driving or walking. This minor change can profit your brain, and you might be surprised at how simple it is to change the way you think.
Meditate
If you meditate on a regular basis, it can help to relax your body, control your breathing, and reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help with your memory and improve your brain’s ability to process information. Find a quiet place, shut your eyes, and meditate for five minutes every day.
Learn a new language
Based on a research review published in 2012, many cognitive benefits of having the ability to speak more than one language have been overwhelmingly demonstrated.
Bilingualism has been linked to improved memory, visual and spatial skills, and greater levels of creativity, based on various studies. Achieving fluency in more than one language may also allow you to switch between tasks more effortlessly and slow the progression of age-related mental decline for the elderly.
The good news is that you can realize the rewards of learning a new language when you get older. Learning a new language at any age, especially elderly ages, can improve your memory and other cognitive properties.
Learn tai chi
It is not a mystery that tai chi can help you in a variety of ways, including your mental health. It can also help you center yourself when your life appears to be out of balance.
Practicing tai chi on a regular basis can help you reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and improve memory. According to a study in 2013, long-term tai chi practice can cause structural brain changes, resulting in an increase in brain volume.
Beginners benefit the most from taking a class to learn the various movements. However, once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you can practice tai chi anywhere, at any time, and any age.
Focus on Others
Take four things about someone the next time you socialize with them. Perhaps you notice the color of their clothes. Pay attention if they have glasses on or if they wear a hat. You can also pay attention to the type and style of their clothes.
Make a mental note of the four things to remember and return to it later in the day. Make a list of what you recall about those four details.
The bottom line
No matter if you are a youngster or an elder, focusing on your brain health is one of the greatest things you can do to boost your memory, concentration, focus, and mental agility.
By integrating brain exercises into your daily routine, you will be challenging your mind, sharpening your cognitive skills, and possibly learning something new and rewarding along the way.
