Exercises That Help Prevent Age Related Brain Changes in Older Adults

Young children have healthy, strong, flexible brains. This helps them to learn new skills and retain information. As the brain ages, it starts to deteriorate. Using the brain to learn new skills and actively stimulate the neurons gives it exercise and helps prevent age-related changes such as memory loss, states "USC Health Magazine."

Neurobics

• When someone uses his five senses in an unpredictable way, he's using neurobics. These brain exercises strengthen the brain and stimulate it to grow more brain cells and pathways, according to the Franklin Institute. Neurobics gives the brain flexibility by creating new connections. Ways to use neurobic brain exercises include washing your face and getting dressed with your eyes closed. Playing the game Charades also stimulates the brain because it encourages communication through visual cues only.

Change Habits

• Another brain exercise to build new neural connections and prevent age-related memory loss involves changing one habit each day. For example, use your non-dominant hand to operate the computer mouse, or drive a different route to work. Brushing teeth or using the remote control with the opposite hand works as well. The awkwardness people experience means the brain has to work and exercise to learn the new skill.

Play Games

• Just as physical games such as basketball and tennis exercise the body's muscles, other types of games exercise the brain. Games that make people think, such as Scrabble or crossword puzzles, stimulate the brain and prevent memory loss, states the Franklin Institute. Reading books also stimulates the brain.

Physical Activity

• Exercising the body through physical activity also exercises the brain. Walking especially works to increase circulation and oxygen to the brain. Walking doesn't require much extra oxygen to the legs because it isn't too strenuous, so the brain gets extra blood and oxygen. Older adults who walk on a regular basis show memory improvement compared to those who don't walk, reports the Franklin Institute.