How to Improve Your Memory

Guest blog post submitted by Rebecca, a student conducting independent research this summer…
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A new study released in November of 2021 found it’s best to mix it up when it comes to stimulating activities that stimulate the brain. The recent study at Simon Fraser University pulled data from the National Institute of Aging’s Health and Retirement Study.

Changing up both the type of activities the subjects performed and their daily schedule was more helpful for the longevity of people’s memory compared to those who kept the same schedule every day. Psychologists believe, based on observations of people’s behavior, that memories are divided by the brain into distinct events, a concept known as event segmentation.

Researchers focused on 17 possible activities that improved memory, including:

— Talking on the phone, emailing, or writing letters to family and friends
— Do activities with grandchildren or volunteer with young people
— Do word games, read, play cards
— Bake or cook
— Sew or Knit
— Walk for 20 minutes

Memory loss is often considered an “old person problem”. Unfortunately, that’s far from true. People of any age can experience inconvenient bouts of forgetfulness. Can’t find the keys? Can’t remember someone’s name even though you’ve met several times? It can happen to anyone and is not a cause for worry.

However, stress can worsen your ability to remember things, so let it go.

Tips for Better Brain Health:

— Get Out and Get Moving. A healthy lifestyle, including good physical activity, boosts your brain’s performance, including memory. Multiple studies show exercise likely increases neuro-protective proteins into the system plus the growth and development of neurons making for better brain health. In addition, researchers say even short periods of moderate exercise improve cognitive performance in every age group.

— Get Social. Meaningful and enjoyable human interaction reduces stress levels. It also fights depression, and both of those problems are known to lead to memory loss. So put down the phone and have some honest conversations, in person, with a friend. Or play a game together. You can create a lifestyle that improves memory with almost every decision.

— Get Organized. If you’re trying to do too many things at once, your mind can get distracted. The same goes for clutter in your home and office. It’s a distraction to the brain that hurts memory performance.

JD Miller

About JD Miller

John D. Miller is the founder/owner of Home Care Partners, LLC, a Massachusetts business providing private duty, personalized in-home assistance and companion care services to those needing help in daily activities and household functions. Phone: (781) 378-2164 Email: [email protected] Website: https://homecarepartnersma.com
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