A Youthful Brain Key to Aging Well

The field of anti-aging medicine has grown by leaps and bounds in the last decade. Not surprisingly, a good portion of research has focused on what you can do to keep your brain young and healthy.

There are a number of simple, fun ways to promote brain health and to stave off dementia and Alzheimer's. One of the most critical things you can do is make it a point to learn and do new things. Every time you spend time learning, your brain is forced to make new connections… and that helps to keep it young and sharp.

Recent research helps explain why this works. New neurons that form in the brain when you challenge it are more elastic and more energetic. These "youthful" neurons help to refresh your nervous system. In other words, they literally help keep your brain from aging.

There are many ways to take advantage of this, and all of them are fun. Here are just a few ideas:
• Learn a new game that you enjoy and find challenging. Play it with your spouse, your friends, or even your grandchildren. Chess, Checkers, Go, and Backgammon are all great options.
• Take up a new social hobby. When it comes to a youthful brain, the best activities combine physical, mental, and social stimulus. Group sports or couples dancing are great anti-aging activities.
• Do a crossword puzzle, a word scramble, or a sudoku puzzle. Your local paper most likely has at least one of these. If you don't take the paper, you can find free online versions to give your brain the challenge it craves.
• Go somewhere new. Whether it's a museum, an art gallery, a store you've never been to before, or a new town… going someplace new offers myriad opportunities for making new brain connections.

Essentially, when it comes to keeping your brain young, the best step you can take is to keep a youthful attitude and cultivate a willingness to try new things.

Stay well,
Meghan Krohn