11 Easy Brain Exercises for Seniors to Keep Your Mind Sharp

As you age, keeping your memory in tip-top condition is often a high priority. You're not alone. Plus, there's an easy way to keep your mind in great shape - through brain games. Below, you'll discover what brain games are and the 12 best brain exercises for seniors you can try.

What are brain games?

Brain games are specific brain exercises older adults can do to improve cognitive abilities and stay sharp. These brain games are designed to challenge your mind, your processing speed, and focus on your problem-solving skills. From online crossword puzzles to tackling a new recipe, there are plenty of exercises you can do to keep your brain active.

Why are brain exercises important for older adults?

Alongside staying physically fit and following a healthy diet, older adults can particularly benefit from doing brain exercises. Here's why brain games are important and why you should consider adding them to your daily routine.

• Provide a sense of autonomy. When you play a brain game, you're in the driver's seat. You play at your own pace and your own terms - you won't feel like you're working when you're playing a game.

• Stimulate your mind. Brain games work multiple cognitive functions at once. From focusing on your speed to learning a new skill, your mind gets a workout with each brain game.

• Opportunities to connect. Doing brain exercises with others can give you a sense of socialization and companionship, which can boost your mood and overall health.

Top 11 brain exercises for older adults

• 1. Listen to music

Turn on your favorite tunes to give your brain a full workout. Music can improve your mood, memory, mental awareness, sleep quality, and blood pressure.

• 2. Try gardening

Gardening is a great activity as it provides both physical and mental benefits. When you garden, you're able to keep your body active and enjoy some Vitamin D from the sunshine. Plus, your brain gets plenty of activity, as you plan out a planting schedule and think about which plants to grow each season.

• 3. Enjoy some physical activity

Exercise promotes blood flow to the brain, which can benefit your overall health and reduce your risk of developing dementia. Whether you prefer a relaxing yoga class or a walk with a friend, any form of exercise can improve your health, both body and mind. You don't have to hit the gym for hours to get in physical activity, though - something as simple as a gentle walk or chair exercises can have brain-boosting benefits.

• 4. Dance

Learning a new dance is a mental challenge as it requires you to remember long sequences of movements while staying on beat. As an added benefit, dancing is also a great workout that can improve your cardiovascular health as well.

• 5. Try online brain games

If you want to challenge your memory and concentration skills, try doing online brain exercises. Websites such as BrainHQ and Sharpbrains offer free brain games daily that you can complete, or you can receive full access if you subscribe.

• 6. Complete a jigsaw puzzle

Puzzles are a great physical and mental activity that stimulates your brain while working with your hands. When completing a puzzle, you can improve your brain health by using logic and recognizing various patterns. It's the perfect rainy day activity you can enjoy by yourself or in the company of friends.

• 7. Read a book

Reading is a relaxing and engaging pastime that can reduce stress and anxiety. Elevated stress levels may impede brain function, so cozy up and let your mind bring your fictional characters to life.

• 8. Create a masterpiece

Bringing out your creative side through art may help improve your mental acuity. You need to exercise multiple cognitive "muscles," including your emotional, sensory, and attentional skills, all of which work together to create a healthy brain. Choose crafts that are motivating and enjoyable for you, whether that's creating homemade candles or taking a professional painting class.

• 9. Do some crafts

There are also plenty of other activities you can try, such as knitting, sewing, or woodworking. These activities will challenge your creativity and problem-solving skills, and give you the opportunity to create something new and beautiful for your home.

• 10. Write

If you're looking for a relaxing activity that may stimulate your brain and improve your memory, try writing. Jotting down your thoughts can be as simple or complex as you make it, whether it's creating a gratitude list or composing detailed journal entry about your day.

• 11. Play a word game

Advance your vocabulary, language, and social skills through word games like Scrabble, crossword puzzles, or word searches. You can play some word games on your own, or ask a partner to be your word games buddy. No matter how you play, the mental stimulation helps keep you sharp and focused.

Additional ways to improve memory and brain function

• Create healthy sleeping habits. If you have brain fog or a poor memory throughout the day, it might be because you aren't sleeping enough, or your sleep quality is not as good as it can be. Ideally, older adults need seven to nine hours of rest for a good night's sleep to function at their best the next day. Speak with your doctor if you have concerns about your sleep health.

• Take your vitamins. Older adults may need to take more vitamins to support their brain health and function. Some key supplements you may want to consider adding to your diet include vitamin B12 and omega-3.

• Eat a healthy diet. You can enhance your cognitive function by eating a diet that's rich in amino acids. Foods high in protein are essential as they offer the highest-quality amino acids.

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