Have you noticed some changes in your thinking, misplace your keys often, or have trouble coming up with the right word in conversations? Before assuming it’s a serious health problem, be aware that your brain changes with age.

Most of the fleeting memory problems that we experience with age reflect normal changes in the structure and function of the brain. Hailey Sinclair, speech therapist at Village Outpatient Therapy, suggests the following steps to help stay mentally sharp and preserve your memory.

Improve Your Overall Health

Go for walks, eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of water. This improves brain function.

Socialize & Continue Your Hobbies

Host dinners, call old friends, join a club. Keep up with hobbies such as reading, gardening, and listening to music.

Do Activities That Improve Memory

Play board games, card games, crossword puzzles, word searches, and sudoku puzzles. Read the newspaper, write emails, etc.

Have A Routine

Have a set schedule for waking up, meals, naps, bedtime, etc. to get your body into a routine. This helps with memory.

Keep Items in The Same Place

Designate a place at home for your glasses, purse, keys, and other items you use often. Remove clutter from your home to minimize distractions, so you can focus on new information that you want to remember.

Use External Aids

Wear a watch, use a planner or calendar to help keep a schedule, or write a checklist to remember grocery items. With these aids, you’ll be better able to concentrate on learning and remembering new and important things.

It’s important to stimulate your brain and keep your mind active. You can do this by learning new skills, such as adopting new technologies or learning a new language.

Discover a Community of Care and Connection at John Knox Village

At John Knox Village in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, we believe that a vibrant and engaged lifestyle is the cornerstone of well-being as you age. Our community is designed to foster connections, health, and happiness through a diverse array of activities, amenities, and services tailored to the unique needs of each resident.

With a focus on overall wellness, residents can have access to a suite of health care services, including Village Outpatient Therapy, where expert therapists provide personalized strategies for maintaining and improving cognitive health.

Join Our Community

John Knox Village continues to be a leader in senior living and health care services in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Contact us to learn more about our whole-person approach to senior living and well-being or call (816) 251-8000 to schedule your personal tour today. One of our senior living consultants can also offer guidance in the search to find senior living apartment homes tailored to your needs and budget.