One tip to support your memory as you age

Good cognitive health as we age is a goal that many of us aspire to.  While there are no guarantees that we can prevent memory loss,  and in fact, some memory loss is considered normal for aging adults, there are proactive steps we can take today and continue into the future as we age that may help keep our memory sharp.

Can you guess what one of the top recommendations is?  Yes, it’s physical exercise.  Not only does staying active help reduce our risk of developing some chronic diseases but it can also help improve the quality of our daily lives.  This includes being able to perform daily tasks and memory functions.  Studies have suggested that regular exercise can increase the size of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, two areas that are susceptible to dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Aerobic exercise may also slow down the rate of cognitive decline, although the specific underlying mechanisms of these effects have not been identified. Great forms of aerobic exercise for older adults include walking, dancing, and swimming.