When we retire, it’s important to keep our minds active just as much as it is important to keep our bodies active. Our brains require exercise just as much as our bodies do. Retiring may seriously cut the amount of mental exercise we get – with that in mind, here are some tips on how to keep your mind active well into your retirement years!

Keep Working

Working later into our retirement years, when possible, has been proven to keep the mind sharp. People who work later into their years tend to do better on cognitive and memory tests than those who retire earlier. Remember, work doesn’t necessarily mean staying at your strenuous, full-time job: many retirees find enjoyment in a more easy-going, part-time job or through volunteering their time doing something they enjoy.

Find out what volunteer opportunities are available in Airdrie here.

Learn how volunteering helps seniors here.

Cedarwood Stitchers bring bundles of blankets to keep babies warm at Calgary homeless shelter. Learn more here.

Exercise

Exercising your body will have positive benefits on your mental health. Studies show that walking daily can have a significant effect on how much the brain shrinks as we age and that walking daily can fight off dementia.People who exercise regularly are less likely to develop heart disease, stroke and diabetes, which are all associated with an increased risk of dementia. Learn more here.

Easy Exercises You Can Do On Your Own

Take a walk

Anyone can take a walk at any time. And there are plenty of green areas and trails right outside our building. The weather is improving, and walking is wonderful exercise. You can also combine walking with bird watching or nature watching.

Easy resistance exercises

There are a variety of small items in your kitchen that you could use for little free weights. It doesn’t even matter what they weigh–just choose a weight that’s comfortable for you to do some repetitions while holding them in your hands. Try five or 10 repetitions extending your arm up or out.If it’s too heavy, choose something lighter. If it’s too light, choose something heavier. It’s that easy.

Stretching

Stretching always feels good, and it’s great for your flexibility and circulation. You can do it sitting or lying on the bed or sitting or lying on the floor. Choose what is comfortable for you. Just try moving your arms and legs (one at a time) in different directions, as far as they will easily go.

One leg

First, stand near a counter or chair back for support. Then try standing on one leg. Then do the other leg. Do it every day for increasing lengths of time. How easy is that?

Toes

While you’re at the counter or next to a chair, roll up onto your tiptoes. Try standing there for a few seconds. Then longer. If you feel really ambitious, try it on one foot! Then the other! This is great for balance.

Socialize

The adult brain is continually modified by experiences. One of the main things that can keep the brain developing into an older age group is socializing. In addition to getting out and meeting people, studies have shown that people who volunteer and spend time around children tend to stay mentally sharper into their retirement age.

Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet

Essential fatty acids are known to be important for brain development in children. These healthy fats found commonly in fish and some oils have significant value when it comes to limiting the cognitive decline in our older years as well.

Healthy dietary choices not only improve your general health, in the long-term nutritious food helps maintain brain function and slows memory decline. The Alzheimer Society Canada has put together some great tips for eating healthy. Learn more here.

Staying mentally sharp throughout our retirement years is a big concern for many adults - keeping up with these tips has been shown to help with battling dementia and helping older adults keep cognitively as they ease into their retirement years.