Medical Edge Newspaper Column

Tips for Staying Mentally Agile

September 23, 2007
Readers:
Research is increasingly showing that aging doesn't automatically result in a steady erosion of brain cells. Rather, older adults who work their brains can develop new connections between brain cells. A recent issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter offers these suggestions to stimulate the mind:

• Use language, mathematical and reasoning skills. Read, write, learn a new language, complete number or word games, balance your checkbook (without a calculator) and fix broken objects.
• Rediscover music, art and using your imagination. Revive a musical talent, sing in a choir, knit, quilt or take art classes.
• Break up routines. Meet new people, learn a skill or take a different route to the store.
• Memorize phone numbers, the words to a poem or people's names.
• Meditate. Studies have shown that meditation activates the parts of the brain associated with happiness and contentment. It reduces stress and anxiety.
• Interact with a wide variety of people — family, friends or strangers. Social engagement can be one of the most complex and varied tasks that the mind undertakes. It has been linked in many studies to the reduction of mental decline.