15 Best Brain Exercises To Improve Memory In Seniors

Akanksha Sharma

9. Creating Art or Drawing

Portrait of old person drawing professional vase masterpiece. Photo Credit: Envato @DC_Studio

Visual creativity exercises like drawing, painting, or sculpting help activate spatial memory, hand-eye coordination, and emotional regulation. Studies from Frontiers in Psychology show that engaging in creative art-making promotes neural connectivity and improves cognitive function in older adults. The act of translating ideas into visual form exercises problem-solving and planning centers of the brain. Art also reduces stress and boosts mood, contributing indirectly to memory and focus.

10. Gardening With Purpose

Happy young and old farmers working with garden tools outdoors at community farm. Photo Credit: Envato @halfpoint

Gardening combines physical movement with routine planning, sensory stimulation, and goal-setting—making it an ideal cognitive exercise for seniors. Keeping track of planting schedules, soil conditions, and harvest windows stimulates memory and sequencing. Research from HortTechnology indicates gardening can improve attention span, reduce agitation, and enhance overall well-being in older adults. It’s also a low-impact way to connect with nature and enjoy structured activity without mental overwhelm.

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9. Creating Art or Drawing

10. Gardening With Purpose

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