Can you improve your memory as you age?
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2014 | Aging, Memory | No Comments
We all have skips in our memory from time to time — misplacing our keys, forgetting an event or appointment, or failing to remember the name of an acquaintance. But as we age, particularly as we reach and pass the age of 65, it is easy to wonder if such small lapses in our memory can be signs of something more serious, like Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia.
The good news is that most of us won’t develop such serious diseases; fewer than 1 in 5 people over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s disease, for example. The bad news is that some memory loss is common as we age — the American Psychological Association says that both our “episodic memory,” which remembers the small things in our daily lives, as well as our long-term memory, which stretches back to childhood, will decline as we grow older.
Thankfully, recent studies point to a variety of ways that we can reduce age-related memory loss and improve how our brain works from day to day. Tips from the Mayo Clinic and the American Psychological Association on ways to improve our memory include:
- Staying mentally active.
Mental activity can keep your brain in better shape, and this can be done in a variety of ways. You can do mind games, like crossword puzzles, or computer training games designed to improve mental acuity. You can learn how to speak a new language or play an instrument. Even volunteering at the local school or library can push you to consider new challenges and organize your environment, keeping your brain active. Read More
