TEST YOUR RECALL
Make a list, grocery items, things to do, or anything else that comes to mind, and memorize it. Make the list as challenging as possible for the greatest mental stimulation.
LET THE MUSIC PLAY
Learn to play a musical instrument or join a choir. Learning new and complex skills is good for the aging brain; research suggests that musical activities (like playing a musical instrument, singing in a choir, or taking piano lessons) showed particular promise for healthy brain aging, though research is limited.
TAKE A COOKING CLASS
Learn how to cook a new cuisine. Cooking uses a number of senses, smell, touch, sight, and taste, that involve different parts of the brain.
LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
The listening and hearing involved in learning a new language stimulates the brain. Plus, being bilingual was associated with a lower risk of developing dementia in one meta-analysis published in 2020.
CREATE WORD PICTURES
Visualize the spelling of a word in your head, and then try to think of other words that begin (or end) with the same two letters.
REFINE YOUR HAND-EYE COORDINATION
Take up a new hobby that involves fine motor skills, and can help you keep your hand-eye coordination sharp. This could include racquet sports, knitting, drawing, painting, or playing video games.
LEARN A NEW SPORT
Start doing an athletic exercise. boosting your balance, strength, and aerobic capacity, that is, your body’s ability to use oxygen for energy can help protect your brain as you age.
