Memory Loss: Preventative Measures

Memory loss can be a scary thing. Many people, especially those aging, worry about losing their memory. We hear stories about it on the news, see movies and read books about it. We even experience those little incidences in which we can't remember a name, a time, a date, or even a task we were trying to remember to undertake. To some degree we can chalk these lapses up to just being human, but we don't have to make excuses for all of them. There are ways to keep your memory sharp, even as you age. Memory loss doesn't have to be a normal part of getting older. Health agencies and government agencies encourage people to undertake "mind exercises" in order to remain sharp and alert of mind well into your life.

Try choosing a couple different exercises and working them into your life, you don't have to wait until you're older to do them either. It's never to early to start keeping your mind active and sharp.

1. Take up an instrument. Learn an instrument you've always wanted to, or learn a new piece of music you've always been wanting to learn. Music is stimulating both to the ears and to the mind and both will help keep your memory sharp. Your brain will be used to activity, and that is what the goal of keeping a good memory is all about.

2. Get out there and be social. Don't wall yourself up inside your house and sit in front of the television, your stove, or whatever else is keeping you from getting outside. Go out and be social. Invite friends to a movie, have people over for dinner and attend dinner parties or tea parties in turn. Go see a sporting event or an opera or other theatre production. The idea is to stimulate your mind and senses through social activity. Talking to others and listening to others talk is a good way to keep yourself sharp, not to mention witty and humorous!