Do you feel like you’re always forgetting things?
In many ways, our memories shape who we are - from the stories we tell about what we’ve done with our lives, where we’ve been and who we met.
Photo via Columbia News - Columbia University
In short, our memories are crucial to the essence of who we are as human beings.
According to Harvard Health, age-related memory loss can represent a loss of self and it affects the practical side of life like getting around the neighbourhood or remembering how to contact your loved ones.
So it’s normal for you to worry when you’ve noticed yourself forgetting things more often, as age-related memory loss is very common.
How do you keep your memory sharp at any age?
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Why do some people lose their memory while others stay sharp? It’s true that genes play a huge role, but your choices do, too!
There have been proven ways to protect your memory… which include following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking and keeping blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar in check!
Not only that, but living a mentally active life is important as well. Just as muscle grows stronger with use, mental exercise helps keep metal skills and memory in check.
Here are the signs and symptoms of memory loss and that it might be time to speak to a doctor:
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Asking the same questions over and over again
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Getting lost in places a person knows well
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Having trouble following recipes or directions
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Becoming more confused about time, people, and places
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Not taking care of oneself —eating poorly, not bathing, or behaving unsafely
Here are some tips to prevent memory loss. It could also help you to improve your memory!
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Stay physically active
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Eat a healthy diet
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Keep your mind engaged
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Control your blood pressure
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Stay social
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Get enough sleep
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Quit smoking
We all know that exercising your body is important for your health, but cognitive exercises are also crucial for keeping your mind sharp and preventing memory loss
Are certain kinds of “brain work” more effective than others?
Photo via LifeHack
Any brain exercise is better than being a mental couch potato. Stop scrolling your Twitter and start playing some mental games like solitaire or chess, or watch the latest documentary marathon on the History Channel.
But activities with the most impact are those that require you to work beyond your comfort zone like learning a new language, volunteering and other activities that put a strain on your brain.
So, is anyone up for a quick game of sudoku?
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
