When people think about staying fit, they generally think from the neck down. But the health of your brain plays a critical role in almost everything you do: thinking, feeling, remembering, working, playing and even sleeping.

Research indicates that not only do we need to exercise our bodies, but our minds as well. Even as we grow old the brain can grow new neurons (brain cells that communicate with each other) and by staying active and keeping the brain stimulated, you can help prevent age-related memory loss.
The good news is that emerging evidence suggests there are steps you can take to help keep your brain healthier as you age. These steps might also reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.
The key to a healthy, happy life lies in keeping your brain active and stimulated…here are some tips to help you accomplish this:
Use the hand you don’t normally…if you are right-handed, use your left hand to operate your computer mouse, brush your teeth, dial the phone, to eat, or use the remote. Your brain is learning a new skill so it may feel uncomfortable at first!
Change your regular routine – drive a different way to work, try a new form of exercise, keep things unpredictable and you will stimulate your brain!
Try a new form of physical exercise – take up dancing, tai chi or yoga.
Learn a foreign language.
Play games that stimulate the brain: cards, sudoku, bridge, crossword puzzles, Scrabble.
Travel – visiting new places can provide stimulation (new sights, experiences, etc.)
Start a new hobby.
Read – the more you read the more exercise your brain is getting!
Walk/Run – Get Physical Exercise! Exercise increases circulation and the oxygen and glucose that reach your brain. Movement and exercise increase breathing and heart rate so more blood flows to the brain enhancing energy production and waste removal.
Brain exercises to strengthen your memory can just be the repetitive use of any memory techniques. Mentally placing a list of items to be remembered at predetermined locations in your house, and seeing them there in an unusual way, is one such technique. Imagining where you’ll see a person next and calling to them by name in your imagination is a good way to remember names.
There is no question that exercising your brain makes it work better. In fact, a more active brain has even been shown to postpone or reduce the incidence of age-related decline of mental function. Why not start today with some simple brain exercises? For more information, visit www.evergreenchoice.com

Author's Bio: 

Dr. Kelly Blundy attended Michigan State University and Logan University, obtaining a BS in Human Biology as well as a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Logan University. Dr. Kelly continues to develop her knowledge of biology, physiology and specific disease management related to senior care. Specifically targeting the areas of senior biomechanics and fall prevention. Dr. Kelly is currently researching the effects of aging on our senior population, their families and the community.
Dr. Kelly’s dedication to senior care began at an early age when she was responsible for the care giving of her grandmother. Upon the completion of her education, she began to practice in both New York and New Jersey and currently practices at The Spine & Health Center of Montvale, located in Montvale, NJ and at Manhattan Spine & Sports Medicine located in New York City. As a result of her personal experiences and passion for the greater wellbeing of seniors, she co-founded EvergreenChoice, LLC, which provides in-home companion services, allowing seniors to receive premier assisted living care in the comfort and safety of their own home.
“It is not only about creating a safe place for seniors to age, but to understand the emotional effects it has on them as well. I am dedicated to enhancing the emotional state of the aging population, which results in a positive mental attitude, one of the most important factors for creating and sustaining a happy and healthy life.” - Dr. Kelly