(ThyBlackMan.com) Do you have a feeling that you’re forgetting more than usual? Don’t worry, there are simple steps that you can use to preserve your mental abilities as you get older.
Reports suggest that learning new skills such as a language or how to use a computer can help keep your brain active as you get older. Memory loss doesn’t always have to be a huge lapse. It can sometimes be as small as sometimes forgetting your keys or losing your train of thought during a conversation. You may worry that these may be more serious than a simple sign of advancing in age or is it the sign of something more serious? We’ve outlined a few tips on how you can keep feeling mentally your best as you approach your senior years.
Keep an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol.
Known to get worse as we age, it is important to keep an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol. Uncontrolled, these conditions are known to amplify your risk of heart disease, stroke and the development of early-onset dementia. Aim for optimum level of cardiovascular health by having healthy blood sugar 
and cholesterol levels. You can do this by eating well, keeping physically active and maintaining a normal body mass index.
Quit smoking and drinking to excess
Both vices put you at a much-increased risk of developing diseases that reduce brain function. Speak to your GP for a way to kick your nicotine habit and try to cut out a few unnecessary units of alcohol and week to keep up optimum brain health.
Get Some Exercise
We all know that exercise is good for us. As we age our metabolism slows down, meaning that we have to take even more notice of what we are eating and drinking. Taking regular exercise maintains good blood flow to your brain and your heart which reduces your risk for angina, heart attacks and strokes. Consistent, heart-pumping exercise also release happy-hormones that are fantastic for retaining good mental health.
Eat A Nutritious Diet
Fill your diet with plenty of leafy greens, juicy fruits and lean protein for a diet that gives you all the vitamins and minerals that you need. Avoid refined carbohydrates, saturated and trans fats as these are known to contribute to obesity and dementia. Reports have shown that following a balanced diet like the popular, Mediterranean diet offer significant neuroprotection.
Stimulate your brain.
Keep your brain firing on all cylinders by keeping a mentally engaging job or a stimulating hobby. Reports suggest that taking part in brain-training games like Sudoku or word searches to keep the most important parts of your brain working. Websites like Scrabble Word Finder or instawordz unscramble cheater can help you to find new words and even add new words frequently.
Get Out and Socialise.
Meeting new people with similar interests and pursuits as you have been shown to be great for your brain. Loneliness can be a huge concern as we get older but it doesn’t have to be. Look online to see if there are any outreach or social project near you that you could join.
Staff Writer; Carl Washington