15 Ways to Boost Your Memory in Your 30s, 40s, 50s, and Beyond
Trying chopsticks, a Rubik’s cube, or a Wii could be simple, fun ways to stay sharp for life.
Can’t find your keys … again? Whether your momentary
memory loss is linked to doing too many things at once or just a bad case of
menopausal brain fog, you don’t have to put up with it. In fact, experts say you can instantly boost your chances of remembering where you put your keys—and everything else you keep forgetting—if you start treating your brain right (no matter your age). Our simple lifestyle changes will help you stay sharp as the years go by.
The 30sFloss every day What do loving licorice and hating the idea of
flossing have in common? Both can contribute to
plaque on your teeth, which is surprisingly bad for your brain. “The plaque between teeth can cause an immune reaction that attacks arteries, which then can’t deliver vital nutrients to brain cells,” says Michael Roizen, MD, co-author of
YOU—The Owner’s Manual: An Insider’s Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger. Solution? Floss every day. Can’t remember? Keep the floss where you store your morning makeup.
Multitask at the gym Just as working out can keep your body in good shape as you age, stretching your brain can keep it in top form, too. And doing them together is double the fun: Do a crossword puzzle while riding a stationary bike or listen to language lessons on your iPod while running. Scientists say that working the body and mind at the same time revitalizes brain cells. Don’t like multitasking? Hit the crossword right after the gym, when your brain is energized.
Go fish Look to the sea for healthy ways to feed your brain. DHA, a type of
omega-3 fatty acid found in salmon, trout, and some fortified foods such as yogurt, is a super saver for your memory. “DHA decreases arterial
inflammation and improves repair of the protective sheath around nerves,” Dr. Roizen says. “The result is less age-related memory loss, less Alzheimer’s disease, less depression, and a quicker mind.”
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen
Last Updated: August 24, 2009
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