Healthy Aging For Seniors – 25 Ways To Boost Your Brain Power
September is Healthy Aging Month. No matter what your age, the most important thing you can do is take care of the body you have. Whether you are busy raising your own kids, helping out your parents on a part time basis, or are a full time caregiver living with your loved one, there are things you can do to help you and your loved ones boost your brain power.
1. Wake up to a cup of green tea instead of coffee.
2. Learn a new word every day. Many daily calendars or websites can help you become even more proficient with the English language by giving you something new to use every day. 
3. Take a class. Adult learning centers offer a ton of choices in a variety of topics.
4. Teach a class. Are you good at something? Why not share your skills with others?
5. Try music and a good book instead of television. Reading and music can lower your stress levels, and improve your focus and your well being.
6. Replace vegetable oils with olive oils and walnut oils, both full of brain healthy omega 3s
7. Spend a few minutes with a puzzle. Bookstores have many different types of game books, including crossword puzzles, sudoku, and logic puzzles.
8. Get outside at least once a day and go for a walk. Take the dog or a friend, and enjoy at least a 20 minute walk to increase the blood flow to your brain.
9. Eat healthy snacks instead. Instead of reaching for that mid afternoon candy bar, try a handful of walnuts, almonds and blueberries instead.
10. Invest in a video game. The newest games like Wii have something for everyone, including fitness videos that allow you to challenge someone to a game of bowling, or enjoy a few minutes of step aerobics.
11. Give yourself a break from meats one or two days a week.
12. Try fish instead of red meat. Wild fish like salmon and sardines can help your heart and brain stay healthier.
13. Redesign your living space. By changing up your living patterns one in awhile, you’ll keep your brain active and engaged.
14. Get into a friendly debate. Choosing a side in politics, sports or current events allows you to learn more about a subject in-depth, and forces you to think on your feet.
15. Get enough sleep. Poor sleep patterns cause a variety of health concerns, including depression and stress.
16. Play a game. Why not start a neighborhood game night. From Bunko, to Yahtzee, to Bridge, there are a variety of games that can hold everyone’s interest.
17. Learn a new language. Even if its just a few conversational words, learning a new language can boost your brain power.
18. Use weights in your next workout. Even if its just a walk around the park, add ankle or wrist weights to get even more out of your exercise.
19. Watch a movie. Try a movie genre new to you – a good documentary or history show can give you a new look on an old subject.
20. When you’re done watching the movie, check out a book on the subject too. Biographies and non-fiction can give you new perspective.
21. Start up a book club. Instead of just reading about a new idea, why not talk about it too? Book clubs are a great way of sharing conversation with friends, and diving into a subject matter you have never thought about.
22. Update your med lists. Especially important if you are receiving meds from more than one doctor, make sure you understand how they all work together.
23. Take in a play or a show. Live action can give you a variety of things to think about.
24. Join a cause. There are many places looking for volunteers – discover an interest and make a difference.
25. Nurture a hobby. Whether you enjoy reading, gardening or sewing, spend at least a few minutes every day working on a project.
