Five Steps to Cognitive Health

Studies show that cognitive health is just as important as physical health. Attention, memory, executive cognitive function, language, and visuospatial abilities typically decline with age. The following activities can help improve cognition.

• Being physically active. It is important to stay physically active, not only for the body, but also for the brain. Exercise also lowers blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar.

• Engaging in relaxing activities.

Engaging in activities that promote restfulness for mental health, such as meditation and yoga can be good for the brain.

• Participatinginstimulating activities. Word games, gardening, dancing or playing a musical instrument, can help maintain cognitive function and enhance memory.

• Reading more often. Reading can promote strong mental health and exercise the brain. Plus, sharing a summary of what was read with others also helps work the brain in different ways.

• Making new recipes. Following new recipe entails reading, engaging in math, predicting the results, and utilizing the senses during the process of cooking—all of which is beneficial for brain health. —MetroCreativeConnection