4 Exercises to Help You Retain a Sound Mind and Clear Memory Well Into Old Age

Regular exercise helps us stay in good shape and push back the appearance of changes associated with old age. This applies to all the organs in our body — including our brain.

Today WeGoRo tells you about 4 simple exercises that will help to preserve your memory and other cognitive functions well into old age!

Multicolored text

Before you is a list of words written in different colors. Starting with the topmost word, proceed to say aloud the name of the color in which each of the words on the list is written. When you reach the end of the list, name each color again in reverse order. Expect the going to be difficult at first since the sections responsible for text perception and color perception are located in different hemispheres of the brain.

  • Useful effects: Helps to prevent Alzheimer’s disease by establishing new connections between the hemispheres/improving concentration and attention-switching abilities.

Schulte Table

Concentrate on the number 19 at the center of the square. Your goal is to find the number 1 and then all the remaining numbers in ascending order, fixing your gaze on each in turn. Later on, you can draw your own table (don’t forget to arrange the numbers in the cells randomly). Alternatively, you can search for Shulte tables on the Internet.

  • Useful effects: Increases the reception and processing of information speed and develops peripheral vision.

Finger gestures

Arrange the fingers of the right hand so as to make the “peace“ sign while simultaneously making the ”OK“ sign with your left hand. Then change the arrangement of the fingers so that your left hand shows “peace” and your right hand shows ”OK." Repeat this several times. And now — perform the exercise with both hands at once!

  • Useful effects: Trains attention and develops the ability to quickly switch from one task to another.

Bimanual synchronous writing

For this exercise, you’ll need two sheets of paper and a pair of easy-to-use writing utensils. When everything is ready, proceed to draw geometric shapes with both hands at once. You can also write letters or words (provided the number of characters is the same for either hand).

  • Useful effects: Synchronous writing teaches your brain to simultaneously handle multiple tasks, thus stimulating the activity of both hemispheres.

Some additional advice

A well-known neuroscientist, Lawrence Katz, has developed a system of exercises to help your brain maintain its functions into a ripe old age.

Here are some tips from his books:

  • Try to perform mundane, everyday rituals (such as brushing your teeth or combing your hair) using your nondominant hand.
  • While taking a shower or performing other routine activities, do everything with your eyes closed.
  • Frequently change the routes you use for commuting to work, going to the shops, or reaching other regular destinations.
  • While watching a movie, try turning off the sound and relying on the actors’ gestures and movements to guess what they are talking about.

Preview photo credit depositphotos