Some readers will acknowledge the information going in one ear and out the other.
Others will recall trying brain games diligently for only a week or two. The startling fact Alzheimer’s disease is ranked the sixth leading cause of death in the United States emphasizes the importance of improving Brain Health. Unfortunately Alzheimer’s is the only member of the top 10 causes of death without a pathway to being prevented, cured or decelerated. The Alzheimer’s Association and US Department of Health and Human Services speak the truth. Studies show strengthening brains is a constant priority rather than a casual approach. As we search for a physical fountain of youth we need to also seek for a mental fountain of youth.
Muscle activity occurs when walking and with everyday movement. Muscle exercise is performed to target specific areas of the body, such as weight lifting. As brains are awake activity is a constant. When a variety of challenges are presented brains exercise. A few memory and recall exercises are listed below to incorporate into daily routines.
- Remember the Number 7. Remembering 12 tasks in one day is simply sensory overload. Start with 3, work up to 5 and settle on 7. Seven items at the grocery store; seven names of politicians; seven places to go; seven ways to win in Vegas.
- Attach Meaning. Try remembering names by linking them with where people were met, a unique interest or feature. Baseball Bob, Frizzy Fred, Church Cora etc.
- Mnemonic Sentencing. A mnemonic is a tool to help remember facts or a large amount of information. An example would be Never Eat Soggy Waffles to recall directions (North, East, South and West).
- Repetition. An obvious instrument but a successful one. When visiting with new people, use their name often while visiting and when the conversation is over have a mental picture associated with the person and name. This also applies to landmarks when visualizing a location.
- Do Math in Your Head. Try to have purchases totaled before reaching the register. Pick a different time zone and imagine what you would be doing in this different time and place.
- Tune up Fine Motor Skills. Juggle a few oranges. Do puzzles, start coloring in the new adult coloring books and frame your masterpieces.
- Exercise is the polish for the Golden Age. We need to remember we are important to ourselves and to the generations who follow. If Seniors forget, the next generation will be challenged to understand.