Maximizing Memory Ability in Older Adulthood by Dr. Rob Winningham
Our habits and actions determine how we age. Dr. Rob Winningham (Professor & Chair of the Behavioral Sciences Division of Western Oregon University) does a terrific job of summarizing healthy aging in this short article.
Maximizing one’s memory ability in middle and older adulthood requires a multifaceted approach. This short article summarizes recent research showing how we can maximize our memory ability. Any one suggestion won’t have a huge impact, but all together they could have a very significant effect on not only your memory ability but also your quality of life.
It turns out that about 50% of our memory ability and our cha
nce of developing dementia is determined by genetics. So, I hope you chose your parents well, as there isn’t much we can do about our genetic make-up. But the good news is that we can largely control the other 50% that is not genetic.
If you want to maximize your memory ability in adulthood, research shows we need to engage in the following behaviors:
Get adequate physical exercise. This includes aerobic activity such as walking and other activities that increase heart rate. This also includes strength or resistance training, such as lifting weights. The effects of resistance training are just now being understood, with a 2012 study showing it could lead to significant improvement in attention and concentration for people who are experiencing mild cognitive and memory problems.
Get adequate cognitive exercise. We have all heard of the concept “use it or lose it,” and there is a lot of research that supports this idea. We should never stop learning and challenging ourselves. Cognitive stimulation comes in many forms: we can volunteer, fully engage our hobbies, travel, learn new skills, and engage in targeted cognitive activities. There are even some excellent websites and apps that can help people get targeted brain exercise.
Watch weight, diet, and glucose levels. Controlling weight, avoiding diabetes, and eating right could dramatically reduce the chance of having cognitive problems. There is some evidence that eating fish or a fish oil supplement can reduce one’s chance of developing dementia.
Stay socially engaged. Social engagement is very cognitively stimulating and is associated with a reduced likelihood of developing dementia.
Sleep well. Poor sleep quality and quantity can impair brain function and result in a number of physical and mental problems.
In subsequent articles, I will explore the above five factors in more detail. Now it is your turn to put these suggestions into practice and take control of your brain health.
