Activities to Improve Memory in Later Life

As we age, a common worry is our memory. This is understandable when, statistically, one in fourteen over-65s develops dementia. This increases to one in six over-80s. Therefore, it’s important to look after your brain during life. With that in mind, we have curated a list of activities to improve memory, especially in later life.

Causes of Poor Memory

Whilst dementia and Alzheimer’s are a common worry, they’re not the only source of poor memory. Fortunately, other causes of poor memory are usually treatable. They include:

Poor Sleep

A lack of sleep can affect the normal function of your brain. When we sleep, our brains process the information we have picked up during the day – this is how dreams work. A lack of sleep prevents the brain from doing this effectively, which also makes it harder to think during the day. This, in turn, results in poor memory. Fortunately, improving your sleep can help to improve memory again.

Medications

Certain medication can affect your memory. Most often, this will be because the medication has a sedative effect. If you take certain antidepressants or blood pressure medication, this may lead to difficulties with your memory. If you are concerned that this may be the cause, you should consult your doctor about switching your medications.

Mental Health Conditions

Conditions such as anxiety and depression can also affect your memory. They can make it harder to concentrate, which in turn leads to poor memory. These conditions can also impact your motivation to engage in your usual activities, which can result in under-stimulation. A lack of stimulation can also make it harder to form memories.

Alcohol

When you drink alcohol, it interferes with your brain chemistry. Even the occasional drink can have a short-term effect on your memory. Long-term alcohol use, however, can have a more serious effect on your mental wellbeing. In fact, it can damage your brain cells, resulting in memory loss. Fortunately, cutting down on your alcohol consumption can help to keep your memory sharp.

Activities to Improve Memory

One of the most effective ways of preventing poor memory is to keep your mind sharp. Here are some activities that can help:

Puzzles

If you want to keep your mind sharp, it’s important to use it regularly. A fun way to do this is with puzzles. Whether you choose to piece together a jigsaw or fill out a crossword, doing so will work your brain, helping to form new connections. As you improve your memory with puzzles, you will also start to find the puzzles easier and easier, which may encourage you to take up more challenging options.

Spend Time with Friends

Socialising is an effective way to keep your brain sharp, especially in later life. Conversely, loneliness can increase the risk of developing mental health conditions and dementia. If you have lost touch with friends or family over the years, there are still ways to spend time with likeminded people. See if there are any activity groups near you, or consider joining social media. It’s a simple way to improve memory, and one that will boost your overall mood.

Learn a New Skill

They say you learn something new every day. And the key to improving memory is often to make sure you do exactly that. Learning a new skill, especially, helps to form new connections in the brain. Later life could be the ideal time to explore a skill that has always interested you, whether it be learning a musical instrument or taking up painting.

Cook New Recipes

Cooking a meal from scratch is a particularly sensory experience, as you surround yourself with textures, flavours, and smells. Plus, you will need to shop for the necessary ingredients, follow a recipe, and keep track of timings. These elements come together to strengthen cognitive ability, which can help improve memory.

Exercise Regularly

We all know the importance of keeping fit for our physical health, but did you know it can also affect your brain health. Exercise helps to improve circulation and also supports your coordination. What’s more, you don’t need to engage in intense exercise to improvement. This means you can continue to exercise in later life, even if you live with mobility difficulties.

Learn a New Language

Whether you’re planning a holiday away or just want to expand your horizons, learning a new language is a great way to improve your memory. Learning a language creates new connections in your brain, as well as requiring you to remember the meaning of words and how they form a sentence. Even if you never use it, the process of learning can help to improve memory.

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Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 19th April 2024.