Prevention Strategies - Mental Stimulation

Practical Tips for Increased Mental Fitness

Some Suggestions

• Stay curious and involved; make a commitment to lifelong learning
• Keep informed about and discuss with others current events
• Read books, newspapers and magazines. Ask yourself questions about what you read - it's a great memory exercise and improves retention
• Work crosswords, brainteasers or other puzzles
• Tinker with things, like cars, computers, small appliances, etc.
• Play board games and cards
• Design and plant a garden or container arrangement
• Write letters and e-mails
• Build a model or piece of furniture
• Learn to play a musical instrument
• Learn a new language and visit that country or join a travel club
• Try out a new hobby, e.g. bird watching, kite flying, or scrap booking
• Deep Breathing exercises
• Write in a journal and/or compile your families history
• Attend your community council meetings
• Memorize poetry, quotes or verses
• Teach someone how to cook from a recipe or make up a new one
• Visualize a past event recalling smells, sounds, colors, textures, emotions, sensations, etc. & spend 15 minutes on this exercise
• Set a daily goal of 15 to 60 minutes a day working on mental activities