It’s important to keep our brains sharp as we age. Just like any other part of your body, you need to give your brain a workout to keep it in top condition. And we have just what you need to get started! Here are the top eight brain-building activities for seniors.

1. Play Cards

Card games aren’t just a fun way to pass the time. They’re good for your brain, too! Card games require strategy and flexible thinking, so they’re a great way to exercise your brain. Plus, studies have shown that card games boost your memory and even increase the volume of your brain in some regions!

2. Dance

What does dancing have to do with boosting your brain? Memorizing new dance steps is quite a workout! And researchers have found that learning a new dance improves your memory and how quickly your brain processes information. So take a jazz class, go dancing with your friends, or try out the new dances making their way through social media. You’ll have tons of fun and boost your brain at the same time!

3. Meditate

Meditation is wonderful for your brain. It naturally reduces your anxiety and lowers your stress levels, which is important because stress is linked to memory troubles. Meditation has also been shown to help your brain process information and strengthen your memory. So give your brain the boost it needs by making meditation a daily habit. 

4. Eat

Did you know that eating the right foods can help boost your brain? Scientists have learned that people who follow a Mediterranean diet have lower rates of cognitive and memory impairment. And if you eat healthy foods with your friends, you’ll get a double boost because socialization is great for your brain, too!

5. Do a Puzzle

Puzzles challenge your thinking, so they’re excellent brain-boosting activities. Crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and Sudoku are all wonderful ways to exercise your brain. Studies have found that doing puzzles helps keep your brain young and staves off age-related memory decline. 

6. Have a Game Night

Inviting your friends over for a weekly game night is an enjoyable way to give everyone’s brain a boost. Board games help improve executive function, memory, processing speed, and cognitive function. Plus, they’re just plain fun!

7. Sleep

You may not think of sleeping as an activity, but it deserves a top spot on this list! That’s because your brain needs plenty of sleep to function well. Getting adequate sleep increases your memory and makes it less likely that you experience mental fatigue. So aim for at least seven to nine hours of sleep every night. 

8. Broaden Your Vocabulary

Learning new words is a great way to stimulate your brain. So write down words you hear or read that you don’t know the meaning of and look them up in the dictionary. Then, challenge yourself to use them five times the next day. Want to strengthen your brain even more? Try learning new words in another language!

9. Be Social

Socializing is more important than you may realize when it comes to protecting your brain’s health. In fact, research has shown that people who socialize more are less likely to experience cognitive decline. So visit with friends and family, join a club, or just make it a point to chat with your neighbors. You’ll all enjoy the benefits!

Are you interested in joining a vibrant senior living community that offers an array of social and recreational activities? We’d love to have you! Register your interest here, and we’ll be in touch soon.