Growing old and losing our memory is one of the biggest fears of many seniors. There are things that seniors can do to help avoid memory loss. Many of these tips are the same tips for living a better and healthier life so you don’t have to wait until you hit age sixty-five to start using these helpful tricks for avoiding memory loss.
Tip 1 – Engage in new activities
Trying something new is a great way to keep your brain challenged. If you have always wanted to learn to speak Italian, go for it. How about learning to tango or techniques for compost gardening. The possibilities are endless and if you are retired now is the time to take advantage of the extra time you have.
Tip 2 – Do the crossword puzzle
You may have heard this one before, but doing the crossword puzzle found in your daily newspaper is an excellent way to keep your mind challenged and stimulated. If you have crossword puzzles try sudoko or some other type of puzzle or trivia. Exercising your mind is a key to staving off memory loss.
Tip 3 – Quit Smoking
If you haven’t done this one already then shame on you. The negative effects of smoking are bad for your mind as well as your body.
Tip 4 – Exercise
Exercise increases blood and oxygen flow to the brain which is a key to maintaining your memory. If you are out of shape start off slow with some walking. If you live near a YMCA join one of their senior programs and combine exercise with socialization which is healthy tip number 5.
Tip 5 – Stay Social
Having an active social life helps to ward off depression and stress two triggers for memory loss. Join a program at your local senior citizen center. Call a friend that you have lost touch with. Partake in social activities at your church. Stay in touch with family members.
Tip 6 – Eat Salmon
Salmon and sardines are good sources of DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol). DMAE is thought to help produce acetylocholine an important neuro transmitter which is thought to be responsible for brain activity and function.
Tip 7 – Take a Fish Oil Supplement
Most of us don’t want to eat Salmon everyday. A fish oil supplement is an excellent way to get two important Omega 3 Fatty Acids, DHA and EPA. These fatty acids are believed to help the brain combat the effects of aging and to stave off memory loss.
Tip 8 – Try an Herbal Remedy
I’ll admit that I am not 100% sold on this tip, but most herbal remedies do appear to be safe. I would check with your doctor before adding one of these to your diet. Four of the herbal remedies believed to help ward off memory loss are:
— Ginkgo Biloba
— Hawthorn
— Rosemary
— Gotu Kola
These herbal remedies can be found at your local health food store or drugstore.
There you have it seven tips to help seniors keep memory loss at bay.
Sources:
http://www.herbal-supplements-guide.com/memory-herbs.html