It is well understood that as we age, our memories begin to decline. There are, however, some myths that deserve to be busted regarding the relationship between age and memory. For example, memory and other cognitive functions are not in inexorable declines; some things may worsen, and others will not. Short-term memory may start to be affected in the fifth decade of life, but unless you notice that your memory is noticeably worse than your similarly-aged peers, there’s no need to worry about it. Vocabulary actually peaks in the fifth and sixth decades of life, math ability rarely changes, and autobiographical memory (the stories we create about our own lives) is extremely well preserved, even in people living with dementia. 

Another myth is that memory loss is impossible to prevent. Making positive lifestyle changes can increase your chance of enjoying a robust memory for years to come. As part of his lecture for Optima Living entitled Navigating Memory and Ageing, Dr. Adrian Wagg outlined several of these strategies.

How to Preserve Your Memory

Get Exercise

Studies have shown how beneficial exercise can be for brain health. Cardiovascular exercises can preserve good blood circulation and help nerve cells survive. Keeping a healthy blood flow to the brain is vital for its function. 

Try to get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week, just strenuous enough to feel a little breathless. There are many easy exercises to do at home, some of them guided by videos you can find online. Just keep in mind the increased risk of falling, and don’t discount the exercise you get doing everyday activities, like household chores and shopping.

Remember to Socialize

As has been proven by clinical trials, those who lead social lifestyles have better memories and overall cognitive function than those who do not. It may be difficult in these times of social distancing to be sociable, but technological innovation has created manifold ways of keeping in touch. For example, Aster Gardens hold a twice-weekly Online Coffee Time! Through your telephone or computer webcam, you can have a coffee with some friends from around the community and discuss topics of importance to everyone.

Keep Intellectually Engaged

The brain is a muscle and has to be worked hard to keep it strong. Mentally stimulating activities are great ways to ensure you enjoy optimal cognitive function for years to come, and they can be fun! Book clubs, puzzles, online games, word searches, and sudoku are all great options, and are easy to get into. In fact, any new hobby you take up will help, as your brain derives a great deal of stimulation from trying something you’re unfamiliar with. And it’s important to have a wide variety of activities to pursue. The more varied the intellectual activity, the better the effect.

Eat Healthy Foods

Good nutrition is extremely important for cognitive health. Try to reduce your intake of red meat, saturated fats, and carbs, and increase vegetables and fiber. A Mediterranean-style diet has been proven to help. In fact, studies have shown that this kind of diet reduces the risk of developing memory problems by 19 percent. 

In conclusion, a good memory is vital to retaining a sense of purpose and wellbeing. Don’t forget to take steps towards a healthy memory today!

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