Exercise daily. Exercise has a whole host of benefits for your mental and physical health, including warding off depression and bolstering the immune system.[1] But physical fitness also has been shown to increase mental sharpness as people age.
Especially past the age of 40, daily exercise helps maintain acuity in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. In one study, elderly men who were aerobically fit were able to outperform men who were unfit in decision making tasks.
Eat a healthy diet. Brain and heart health may be key to maintaining memory stores as we age, and might even contribute to warding off dementia.
- Healthy fats, such as olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon.[5]
- Antioxidants, which contribute to optimal brain functioning; even dark chocolate counts![6]
- Plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains, which can help reduce your risk for a stroke.[7]
- A moderate amount of alcohol. You heard that right: for adults, a small amount of alcohol can help fight off dementia by maintaining healthy cholesterol and insulin levels in the blood.[8] But be careful to keep the alcohol to a moderate amount: too much alcohol has the opposite effect, and can even lead to a loss of memory (known as a “blackout”).[9]