How to Keep the Mind Sharp During Retirement
Simple Activities Help to Exercise the Brain and Increase Memory
Apr 13, 2009
The common perception of retirement as a time of lazying the days away beachside under the shade of a coconut tree and contemplating life is not exactly accurate. For many, retirement is a time of activity, travel, and following unfulfilled dreams. But while it’s good to exercise the body, it is also necessary to exercise the mind.
Common Neurological Diseases of the Brain in Aging
Dementia is an umbrella term for a number of neurological diseases related to brain function and cognition. One of the most common forms of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease, which includes such symptoms as memory loss, confusion, and irritability. Though there is no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, mental stimulation in addition to exercise is a recommended way to stave off the onset of this neurological disorder.
Passive vs. Active Mental Stimulation
When discussing how to keep the mind sharp during retirement, it is important to note the difference between passive and active mental stimulation. Passive mental stimulation comes from passive activities such as watching a movie or a television show. It could also come from watching a ball game, or watching the grandchildren play.
Active mental stimulation involves activities that quite literally exercise the brain. With active mental stimulation, the person is using his or her analytical skills and cognition to devise strategies and new approaches to a problem. For example, a former accountant who continues working part-time after retirement, or an artist dreaming up a new painting.
Simple Mind Exercises to Keep the Mind Sharp During Retirement
The key to keeping the mind sharp during retirement is to engage the mind in challenging mental activities and problem-solving. Retirees can do many things to keep the mind active and healthy. For example, the AARP sponsors an annual spelling bee for those over 50 years of age. Other analytical and creative activities include
- mind games including crossword puzzles and Sudoku
- special interest group involvement (e.g., computer club or gardening club)
- community involvement (e.g., volunteer work)
- involvement in local politics and associations
- continuing former career part-time or other part-time work
- artistic and creative hobbies including woodworking, painting, and needlepoint
Bottom Line on Keeping the Mind Sharp During Retirement
To help ward off neurological disorders of the mind including Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, retirees should engage the mind in active mental stimulation. Exercising the mind through such analytical activities as crossword puzzles, spelling bees, and artistic and creative hobbies goes a long way to keeping the mind healthy over the long-term.
See related articles, “Smart Money Management Tips for Retirees,” “How to Deal With the Emotion of Retirement," and "Best Towns for Baby Boomer Retirements.”
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