5 TIPS TO IMPROVE MEMORY

It starts as an annoying sequence of events. You cannot find your car keys, you constantly lose the grocery list, and you forget the names of people you have known for years. Annoyance eventually turns into significant lapses of memory that negatively impact your life. At our assisted living facility in Denver, our caregivers specialize in providing memory care services to help residents live productive lives. One of the most important ways to diminish the negative impact of memory loss is to keep your memory sharp.

Here are five tips to improve memory at our senior living center in Denver, Colorado.

Get Physical

Moving into one of the retirement communities in Denver does not mean you are confined to using a wheelchair throughout the day. You have the opportunity at MorningStar-Observatory Park to engage in physical activities. Participating in physical activities sends blood throughout the entire body, including the brain. This can help you maintain a sharp memory to enhance the quality of your life. The Department of Health and Human Services suggests most adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activities a week.

Play Brain Games

It is not just your body that needs to stay active. Your brain also needs to remain in shape, and one of the most effective ways to achieve a sharp brain is to play games that work out the brain. Games such as online solitaire do an excellent job of keeping the wheels spinning upstairs by making you remember certain cards. Crossword and jigsaw puzzles, as well as reading a book, also fire the neurotransmitters that keep the brain operating at peak performance. You also can learn a new hobby to help improve your memory.

Interact with Other Residents

Isolation often triggers stress and anxiety, which can morph into serious mental conditions such as depression. Many research studies demonstrate that negative emotions can diminish memory by forcing the brain to devote energy to the negative emotions. Social interactions help keep the brain thinking positive thoughts, which helps you remember more events that unfold every day. At our assisted living facility in Denver, we offer an active social calendar to ensure residents interact with each other.

Develop Better Sleep Habits

Another area of memory research concerns the impact of sleep on the ability to remember things. Not getting enough quality sleep is linked to developing memory loss. Restless sleep and sleep that gets disturbed often during the night are considered poor sleep patterns. The key to getting enough quality sleep is to make sleep a priority in your life. Adults need between seven and nine hours of quality sleep per night. Do not eat a heavy meal right before bed, turn off the television and read a book an hour before going to sleep, and listen to a calming nature tape are just three strategies to help you develop better sleep habits.

Follow a Healthy Diet

Healthy foods are good for the brain. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains represent the best foods to eat that fend off memory loss issues. Low-fat protein sources like fish, beans, and poultry also contribute to building a healthy brain. Refrain from drinking caffeine to allow your brain to rest before it is time to call it a day. The culinary team at our senior living center in Denver, CO creates menus that help residents stay mentally sharp, and thus, improve the quality of their lives.