How to Preserve and Protect Your Memory and Make It Grow

I've written before about how having a sound mind is more important than money. I've covered the topic from several angles, having detailed how you can keep your brain fit, how exercise can help your mind stay young, and how you can make your brain fitter in six easy steps. The short of it is: there are ways you can keep your mind healthy late into life if you take a proactive approach to exercising your mind.

This piece from Market Watch is similar but gives some new thoughts on the subject of exercising your mind. It tells how to preserve and protect your memory and make it grow. Their key thoughts:

But it's quite normal to lose some memory as time goes on. It's also occasionally normal to draw a blank on the phone number of a friend or the name of a Hollywood star whose picture is right in your mind's eye.  If you had a photographic memory years ago while you were in college, don't expect to regain it immediately if you later enroll in a literature course. But with some practice, you probably can regain much or most of your masterful memory.

One of the surest ways make the most of your memory is simply to pay more attention to paying attention. That's because very much of your memory is simply a matter of concentration and focusing on a task. "To learn a set of instructions to a new location, for instance, repeat the directions out loud. Just by concentrating on what you want to remember, your memory will improve dramatically."

The authors note that there are three factors that characterize those who maintained their mental abilities over time: 

• They were more mentally active, meaning that they did everything from reading books and tackling crossword puzzles, to using a computer and going to lectures or concerts. And they were less likely to spend time in the passive mode of watching television.
• They were more physically active.
• They maintained a sense of effectiveness in the world around them, meaning that they continued to maintain a sense of control over their lives, felt that they were contributing to their family or to society, and generally felt good about themselves, too.

Good information. I've stated before that I like to play chess and am learning a lot of new computer skills with this blog. I also exercise frequently, so hopefully these efforts are helping to keep my mind sharp (though my wife may say differently). ;-)

The piece ends with speculation that women/shopoholics all over the world will love to hear:

"We can't prove this, but it may be that women not only live longer but possibly maintain their brain functions better than most men in part because they shop. While shopping, they are physically active, wandering through stores and carrying parcels. They are mentally active, comparing prices and making choices. And, after completing their shopping, they feel they have accomplished something."

So, if shopping is related to higher mental awareness, could the credit card companies come out with campaigns that say, "Pile up more debt with us -- the shopping will help keep you mentally alert."? ;-)

Comments

[Blaine Moore (Run to Win)]

You won't see that campaign from the credit card companies, but if they read this article they might come out with a campaign that says "Use our credit card and live longer*"...