You May Be Able to Prevent Memory Loss
By Tom Herrin
As we get older, it seems to be expected that our minds will be less sharp. We think of people who are mentally feeble and forgetful. It is a picture that is painted over and over. It is not a new concept. For years, older people have been depicted as having lost their mental abilities. You may think of the character in the movie Hook who is looking for his marbles because he has lost them. A lot of this particular characteristic is avoidable. We need to do a few simple things.
Learn A New Skill
There are great benefits to be had by entering into a new endeavor. The processes in the brain that occur when we learn a new skill can add vitality to our mental state. Learning something new is a challenge for anyone. Children in school are prime for learning because they are generally engaged in such activity and using their skills regularly. Older individuals may have a greater task. This is partly due to what may have been mental inactivity. It works much like exercise with physical tasks. The more we use something, the easier it becomes to accomplish things. Learning new skills is great mental exercise. Music, art, and photography are a few that can be very rewarding.
Social Interaction Is A Must
I remember an old man from my childhood. He was veteran of World War I. Yes, I know, I'm dating myself. I'm now the old guy. Anyway, this man always wore the same kind of clothes and rode a bicycle. We would see him everyday. He talked to no one. He was a true hermit. Many times we think of people like him as being feeble-minded. When people are socially removed, their minds may be less challenged. They have no conversation to stimulate thought. We need to socialize on a regular basis to help keep our minds stimulated. Playing games, quilting, or working together with others on projects can improve our thinking. We need to continue making decisions to push ourselves and increase our capacities.
Physical Exercise Helps Everything
I mentioned exercise earlier. Even small amounts of exercise can help the brain to develop and increase in capacity. Mental sharpness is dependent in part on physical exercise. Memory can be improved with simple regular exercise in combination with learning a skill and social interaction. Don’t let memory deteriorate from lack of stimulation. Stay in the game mentally, socially, and physically. You will be better off for it.
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