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8 ways to keep your brain young
Fun and easy ways to keep your brain strong, improve your memory and stay sharp as you get older.
As you age, you might start to notice small changes in your memory — and that’s normal. But there are other, more serious conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia that can affect how you think, act and remember things. Keeping your brain active with fun habits can help you stay sharp and lower your risk of illness.
From exercising your body to solving puzzles and learning new things, the tips below can help keep your mind sharp. And they can fit into your daily life to keep your brain sharp.
1. Do crossword or jigsaw puzzles
Puzzles are more than just fun. They challenge your brain to think in new ways and remember information. And they improve your memory and help you solve problems. This may lead to a stronger and sharper mind.
Try to do them for a few minutes each day. You can find free puzzles in newspapers, magazines or online. If you enjoy crosswords or jigsaw puzzles, try harder ones to keep your mind engaged and sharp.
2. Learn something new
When you learn, your brain makes new connections. This can help your memory and thinking, even if you already have memory problems.
You can try knitting, learning a new language or taking up a new hobby like dancing. One study found that older adults who learned to play an instrument had better memory after just 10 weeks.*
3. Play board games
Invite loved ones over and play games like chess, Scrabble and Monopoly. The games make you think, remember and problem-solve. They are also a great way to stay socially connected — another way to keep your brain healthy and happy.
4. Switch up your routine
Try taking a different route to the store, walking in a new park or shopping at a different place. These small changes can challenge your brain and keep it engaged.
5. Eat brain-healthy foods
What you eat can affect your brain. Eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains (like brown rice and whole wheat pasta) and lean proteins (like chicken and turkey) can help your brain work better. The Mediterranean diet, which includes these foods, can lower the risk of memory loss.* Foods like blueberries, nuts and fish are great for your brain. They have antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which protect your brain cells and improve brain function.
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6. Manage stress
Long-term stress can cause inflammation and damage to brain cells. And this can make it harder for your brain to work well. Activities like meditation, deep breathing and yoga can help you relax. You can also try writing in a journal, listening to music or spending time in nature. Whatever helps you feel calm, make it a part of your daily routine.
7. Prioritize sleep
When you sleep, your brain rests and repairs itself. Not getting enough sleep can affect your memory, attention and mood. Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night to keep your brain healthy.* If you have trouble sleeping, try a bedtime routine. Read a book or take a warm bath. Avoid screens like phones and computers before bed. The light can keep you awake.
8. Stay physically active
Exercise is good for your body and your brain. Whether it’s walking, swimming or dancing, regular physical activity can help slow down the aging process. It can also improve blood flow to the brain, which can help your brain work better and lower the risk of mental decline.
Find an activity you enjoy and try to do it regularly, like a daily 10-minute walk. If you usually walk outside, have a backup plan for rainy days, like walking indoors or doing a home workout. You can also ask a friend to join you to stay motivated.
Your plan includes a SilverSneakers® basic membership that you can use to access online or in-person exercise and wellness classes for all fitness levels.
*FOR LEARNING: Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. Effects of learning a new instrument. August 15, 2023. Last accessed June 11, 2025.
*FOR SLEEP: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The benefits of sleep for the brain. May 15, 2024. Accessed June 11, 2025.
*FOR MEDITERRANEAN DIET: National Institute on Aging. MIND and Mediterranean diets linked to fewer signs of Alzheimer’s brain pathology. May 4, 2023. Accessed June 11, 2025.
*FOR EXERCISE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical activity boosting brain health. January 31, 2025. Accessed June 11, 2025.
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