Older people who maintain their mental acuity tend to be both physically healthy and physically active. They are usually socially connected and they tend to be engaged in stimulating or intellectually challenging activities.
I heard that cardio exercise for six months will buy you 15 to 20 % improvement in memory, decision making ability and attention and I strongly believe that.
I believe that regular physical activity improves brain function, both by increasing blood flow to the brain and stimulating the production of hormones and nerve growth factors in building nerve connections.
Exercise also pays a role in countering diseases like Type 2 diabetes, which increases the risk of dementia.
Stimulation through interesting work, continuing education, reading, traveling, taking up new language or learning to play a musical instrument is also very beneficial.
Exercise or any intesive physical activity has also effect on decreasing stress, anxiety, depression and helps with improving memory and decision-making.
Try to maintain flexible attitude and be willing to try new things. And if you are older, you have to expect that things will shift over time and won’t be the same as when you were young. Those who manage to roll with punches, and enjoy change rather than fighting it, tend to do well.
Here are some examples of physical activities to learn, that have big stimulating effect on your brain:
- play table tennis – ping-pong
- play tennis
- jump rope – forward, backward, on left and right leg
- learn how to juggle with 3 balls – takes about 1 month to learn this
- if you are swimmer, try backstroke
- brush your teeth with left hand
- learn to roller blade, skate
- play games like volleyball, soccer, basketball, or any kind of new fun challenging game
You will get great cardiovascular exercise with most of these activities, plus you will stimulate your brain to build new nerve connections to make your brain perform better.