Those of us getting older must keep our mind active to keep our brain strong. Use it or lose it. At Raleigh Acupuncture we’re all about good health, including good brain health. Here are 10 good brain boosters for the 55+ set to keep our brains active. Try them out then let us know what you think.
Brain Booster #1: That New Thing
Sign up for a class, learn a new instrument, or tackle a new language. I’m learning the electric bass guitar right now. I used to read music well. Now it’s like pulling teeth, but I’m sticking with it. Slow and steady. What will you try? Research has found learning something new reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Brain Booster #2: Intentional Breathing
Find a moment to meditate (breathe). It calms the mind, relieves stress, and research shows that it staves off brain shrinkage associated with aging. I prefer calling it “intentional breathing” instead of “meditation”. For starters, try 5 deep breaths a few times a day. It feels great. We just need to make a habit of it.
Brain Booster #3: Switch Hands
Switch hands. Use your non-dominant hand for everyday activities like brushing your teeth and combing your hair. These activities build neural connections in your brain. It’s frustrating to do, but take it in small doses. A little bit each day will make a difference.
Brain Booster #4: Playing
Exercise your mind by playing cards, putting puzzles together or doing Sudoko. These activities gently improve brain function in areas vulnerable to Alzheimer’s. Ever try playing Rummy when you’re tired. It’s hard to keep track. That shows how the brain is involved even in simple games. And they’re fun!
Brain Booster #5: New Vocabulary
Learn new words and increase your vocabulary. Check out this WEBSITE for lots of good words to learn. Here’s a new word to get things started: Coprolite – a piece of fossilized dung. Talk about useful. Try using that in a sentence later today!
Brain Booster #6: Memorize Verses
Memorize verses of poems, bible passages or favorite sayings. There is nothing more satisfying than being able to recite a passage from memory. And all it takes is a little preparation. The next time someone needs cheering up you will have that comforting saying – and it helps your brain at the same time! For example: “Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!” -Dr. Seuss.
Brain Booster #7: Tell Jokes
Learn to tell jokes. Memorize new joke each week and share it with people who cross your path. I’ll get you started. Memorize this: Q: What do you call a bear with no teeth? A: A gummy bear.
Brain Booster #8: Serve
Serve somewhere out of your comfort zone – at school, church, community organization. Meeting new people and helping them stimulates the brain. It’s also rewarding for the heart. This takes a bit more planning. If you’re currently not doing service think about where you might like to start. The best way to serve is to dive in without overthinking. Give it a try this month and see what you think. You’ll probably enjoy it.
Brain Booster #9: Less TV
Watch less TV every day. TV numbs the mind. Fill that time with the activities listed above. You won’t miss it. Sound hard? Sound impossible? It’s like sweets. The more you eat, the more you want. The less you eat, the less you want. This one is important. Start small. If you’re a three hour a day TV watcher, cut down to 2 hours.
Brain Booster #10: Know Your Neighbors
Learn the names of the neighbors on your street ( the 5 or 6 houses directly around you). Then make sure to call them by name when you see them. Write down the names at first until you remember them. You’ll have to get creative finding out their names if you don’t know them already. Just ask! Or look it up in the registry of deeds. I struggle with this one, but am working on it.
Brain Boosters and You
If you’re open, try a handful of these brain boosters and see how you feel. Every one of them is good for your brain. We need to build these habits as we get older. Let’s all be 90 years old with active minds, engaged in the world.
Share these brain boosters with your friends and family.
To learn more about Raleigh Acupuncture and the conditions we treat click CONDITIONS WE TREAT.
What our Clients are Saying
My wife made me come to acupuncture because I was always forgetting what she told me. Now I remember. So is this supposed to be good for me? I’m kidding! Yes, it helped. I’m not sure how, but it did work. I’m 90 years old, so I’m not supposed to remember everything, but I feel like my brain got a tune-up. They put up with my jokes here. And they fixed my neck pain too.
I suffered memory loss and inability to concentrate following a concussion several years ago. I made slow progress, but was still struggling in this area. Acupuncture has truly helped. I now have better recall and I don’t get that foggy brain as much. I’m less distracted as well. I told my doctor about acupuncture for concussion patients. I think everyone should get this done as part of their rehab. I could have used this three years ago.
I’m 87 years old, in good health all things considered. But my “senior moments” were starting to drive me crazy. I found their website and read about what acupuncture could do for memory and decided to give it a try. After several treatments I’m not ready to recite Shakespeare, but I’m not losing my car keys as frequently. My mind is definitely retaining information better, and I’m grateful for that. I will continue with the acupuncture and see what else it can do.
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