Health & Wellbeing – Mental Health
Ways to keep mentally fit Mental activity is really important as you get older because you are more susceptible to cognitive decline and mental health issues.
K
eeping your mind engaged through activities that challenge and interest you is an excellent way to stay mentally fit as you age.
Study Having a purpose is vital during your retirement, and studying is a great way to test your memory, learn new skills, and open up your mind to new ideas and concepts. Read more about Finding Purpose in retirement on page 23.
Video games Not just activities for the young, there is proven evidence to suggest that videogames are fantastic for young and old to keep their mind engaged. A recent study has actually shown that regular ‘gaming’ can slow down the progression or improve the cognitive ability of an individual with dementia.
Music
Brain training apps
Games and puzzles
Music is a great way to keep yourself mentally active. Why not develop your musical side and start learning a new instrument, take singing lessons or join a local choir or band?
Mobile phones have allowed for the creation of brain training apps. You can test out your own mental abilities with short little problemsolving games or see how you are ranking against other people in your age group. Brain exercises are also known as “neurobics”.
Often, people associate crosswords and sudoku with older people, but these games are actually great for improving and maintaining cognitive abilities.
A couple of minutes each day can make all the difference 52
Your Retirement Living – 8th edition
Exercise Funnily enough, physical exercise can have a really positive impact on your mental health. Going for a walk or run also jogs your memory!
Journal Start a diary or gratitude journal to write down your thoughts and feelings or something you are grateful for each day. Keeping a journal can be a great outlet for releasing pent-up feelings and emotions as a way to free up negative energy and remind you of the small things in life you have to be grateful for.
