Best Brain Exercises To Improve Memory In Seniors

April 8, 2024

The brain, like every other muscle in the body, must be conditioned to continue functioning at its most optimal levels. As the body ages, the brain does not regenerate cells at the same rate as when an individual is younger, which can result in reduced cognitive function and memory loss. Seniors may find it more difficult to remember dates, times, or appointments, or find themselves struggling to complete certain mental tasks. Engaging in brain exercises can help the brain maintain its healthy cognitive functioning and promote memory retention.

Here are the best brain exercises to improve memory in seniors.

Completing Logic Puzzles

Completing logic puzzles can help seniors regain and maintain cognitive skills that require them to think unconventionally. Logic puzzles work on the left side of the brain, which is responsible for deciphering the logic and order of things. Logic puzzles are puzzles or problems that can be solved by using deductive reasoning skills and are often math-based or use numbers in some other fashion. They are great for the elderly because they aid in helping the individual engage in problem-solving from various angles. Logic puzzles aid not only in the resurgence of cognitive reasoning skills but also help in memory retention and maintenance.

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Trying Word Puzzles

Studies indicate that seniors who engaged in the completion of word puzzles, such as crosswords or word searches and similar puzzles and games, experienced a delay in memory decline related to dementia. What's great about word puzzles is the fact they are widely available both online and in stores. There is also a lot to choose from, which helps keep individuals entertained and engaged. For many individuals, the enjoyment and benefit lie primarily within the challenging aspect of the puzzle, not the completion, which makes them a good long-term brain exercise to engage in.

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Playing A Variety Of Card Games

Playing a variety of card games is a great brain exercise for improving the memory of seniors. Studies indicate playing card games, such as bridge, can aid in boosting short term and long term memory. In addition to memory retention, card games are a great way to help seniors socialize with others, something that may be difficult after retirement. The best card games for improving memory are those that incorporate both memory and attentiveness. Games such as Go Fish can be a fun way to incorporate these cognitive functions for those whose memory or cognitive skills has declined significantly, while a rousing game of blackjack or spades can be helpful to those looking to maintain memory function.

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Engaging In A Game Of Chess

Engaging in a game of chess can help seniors improve their memory. Recent studies indicate chess is a great cognitive exercise for seniors as it is easy to learn and it incorporates socialization. Individuals over seventy-five years old who participate in what are known as 'brain sports' such as chess have been found to have fewer symptoms related to dementia as well as increased memory and cognitive function and an overall sense of wellbeing. Research also indicates playing chess activates different areas of the brain while playing, which keeps the brain healthy and alert and reduces atrophy.

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Reading Lots Of Materials

Reading lots of materials also aids in memory improvement in seniors. Reading a variety of materials, ranging from academic material, novels, newspapers, and comics have been found to have a beneficial effect on the memory of seniors. The way an individual reads this material is important as well. Studies indicate reading aloud and from actual print materials rather than information printed on screens has the optimal effect on improving memory function. Research shows the act of both speaking the information and hearing it helps the brain process the information a little better and commit it to memory in such a way that it is easily accessible for the individual.

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