How to Stay Mentally Sharp in Retirement

How to Stay Mentally Sharp in Retirement

Decades of research confirms that memory loss, sensory changes and diminished problem-solving skills are a natural part of the aging experience. Of course, that’s not to say the onset of such conditions cannot be depressing or even downright scary, bringing with them the specter of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Fortunately, seniors can slow cognitive decline by keeping their brains engaged. Here are few strategies to consider if you want to keep your life active and your mind sharp as you age.

Sack Time: No matter how old you are, you know the experience of getting too little sleep and struggling through the next day. This can become a more consistent problem as people age due to the medications they take. You can combat the phenomenon by adhering to a rigorous sleep regimen that includes limiting naps, sticking to a bedtime routine and avoiding caffeine late in the day. Also stay away from the TV, computer and phone as you get closer to bedtime.

Hang With the Grandkids: Grandchildren are one of life’s greatest joys – they’re young and vibrant and can you feel young and vibrant, too. In fact, because young minds are still growing and learning, the act of teaching them new things keeps your mind active. In addition, spending more time with grandchildren has been linked to lower risk of depression among grandparents.

Puzzle Me This: Word and number puzzles are great for memory. Crosswords, Sudoku, Unscrambler and the rest require seniors to exercise word recall, math concepts, spelling and even grammar and reasoning. In addition, they are fun because they foster a sense of accomplishment. Time to bust out the Scrabble board!

(Jigsaw) Pieces in A Puzzle: Jigsaw puzzles are great for memory too, and they’re an activity you can do by yourself and still enjoy. Puzzles are like artwork you can create relatively quickly. Plus, the process exercises the parts of your brain that handle spatial relations, colors and patterns, all at the same time. For the best options, explore the puzzle section of your favorite local bookstore.

Time for Pastimes: Retirement is a great time to explore new hobbies and find creative outlets. There are lots of local groups that cater to hobbies, many of them comprised primarily of seniors. Explore your local arts center and see if they offer classes of interest. Or, if you already have a creative hobby, consider teaching one.

Get Moving: Exercise has consistently been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, ease anxiety and help with sleep, all of which impact concentration and memory. Remember that a consistently scheduled activity helps keep your inner clock calibrated. It may seem tough to start at first, but once you’re in a routine, you will reap the benefits.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.