{"id":20013,"date":"2022-12-06T11:33:50","date_gmt":"2022-12-06T16:33:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20013"},"modified":"2023-03-27T10:06:59","modified_gmt":"2023-03-27T15:06:59","slug":"10-hobbies-that-can-improve-memory-and-concentration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/10-hobbies-that-can-improve-memory-and-concentration\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Hobbies That Can Improve Memory and Concentration"},"content":{"rendered":"

For millions of older adults, Alzheimer\u2019s disease is an unavoidable fact of life. <\/span>Current research<\/span><\/a> estimates that 6.5 million Americans over 65 today are living with Alzheimer\u2019s, the most common form of dementia that causes breakdowns in memory and cognitive skills. <\/span><\/p>\n

Even if you don\u2019t have an Alzheimer\u2019s or <\/span>dementia<\/span><\/a> diagnosis, many aging people find their memories aren\u2019t as sharp as they used to be. <\/span>Age-related memory impairment<\/span><\/a>, which affects about 40% of Americans 65 and older, can cause mild daily irritations like forgetting where you left your keys or the password to an online account.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While research is advancing on how to treat age-related cognitive impairment and memory loss, it\u2019s clear <\/span>lifestyle can play a huge role<\/span><\/a> in protecting your memory, concentration and thinking skills. Exercise, a healthy diet and <\/span>activities that stimulate your brain<\/span><\/a> are all critical for protecting your memory as you age.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many activities can boost your memory and concentration. Here are 10 hobbies to explore that can help keep you sharp as you age \u2013 while having fun at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Play an instrument<\/h3>\n

The effect of music on the brain is powerful throughout our lives, even before we\u2019re born. As we age, <\/span>listening to music<\/span><\/a> can reduce anxiety, stress and even blood pressure. Playing an instrument takes it even further: <\/span>a 2020 study<\/span><\/a> found that older adults living in a group setting who had played or currently played an instrument had less cognitive decline than those who had never played.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You don\u2019t need to be a professional to enjoy the benefits of playing an instrument, and it\u2019s ever too late to start: many music schools offer instruction for beginner adults, and there are many YouTube videos to help novice players get started.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Learn a language<\/h3>\n

Language, like music, <\/span>stimulates the parts of the brain<\/span><\/a> connected to memory and concentration. Learning a new language as an adult can benefit your brain in powerful ways: <\/span>research has found<\/span><\/a> it boosts attention and focus if practiced regularly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are many ways to jump into language learning: apps like Duolingo and Babel offer easy daily lessons in hundreds of languages. Language schools in your area may offer affordable group classes. If you\u2019re looking to brush up on your conversation skills, look for a language meetup near you, where people gather at a caf\u00e9 or bar to chat in a new language.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Play a word game<\/h3>\n

Crossword puzzles, word searches, group games like Scrabble and Bananagrams, and even online word games have been found to boost memory, concentration and cognition. <\/span>A recent study<\/span><\/a> found a strong link between playing word puzzle games and higher cognitive function in adults over 50. Games like these aren\u2019t a cure for age-related memory loss, but they help keep the brain working stronger for longer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are many word games available online, including the very popular Wordle, which can help you exercise your brain. But <\/span>research shows<\/span><\/a> that the classic crossword puzzle still provides the most benefit for aging brains.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Draw and paint<\/h3>\n

Creativity is a critical way to boost brain health, and <\/span>studies have found<\/span><\/a> that making art can improve the neural functioning in your brain. Drawing and painting are also relaxing and can help lower your stress and anxiety.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not a natural Monet? It\u2019s OK! It doesn\u2019t matter how good it looks \u2013 if you\u2019re having fun and staying engaged, chances are your art-making is helping your brain. Head to a local art store for help choosing materials or take a class where you\u2019ll get instruction on the basics of drawing and painting.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Garden<\/h3>\n

Gardening has many benefits for the body and brain: it\u2019s an outdoor activity that involves gentle exercise, fresh air and mental stimulation. Being in <\/span>nature has been found<\/span><\/a> to improve overall well-being in people of all ages. Plus, learning and keeping track of the plants in your garden is good for your memory \u2013 one of the reasons gardening <\/span>has been linked<\/span><\/a> to a slower decline in cognitive function.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re new to gardening, a local nursery or hardware store can help you find easy-to-grow plants suited to where you live. Gardening clubs offer support and advice from fellow gardeners, as well as a place to swap plants and seeds, discuss your gardening plans, and enjoy a social gathering with like-minded people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Knit and\/or crochet<\/h3>\n

People of all ages enjoy knitting or crocheting, and studies back up the benefits: <\/span>a 2011 study<\/span><\/a> found that craft activities like these were associated with a lower likelihood of age-related cognitive decline.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A craft or yarn shop in your town may offer classes or one-on-one knitting instruction, and help you find the right tools for the project you have in mind. There are also many online resources including instructional videos and worldwide knitting communities, which can keep you learning and engaged. Remember to continue building on your skills: try more complex projects as you improve, an added benefit for your brain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Freewrite<\/h3>\n

Freewriting or journaling isn\u2019t about writing a book, it\u2019s about writing whatever thoughts come to mind and it has big benefits for your overall health and brain function. <\/span>According to researchers<\/span><\/a>, expressive writing has been linked to lower stress, improved bodily function, improved mood and <\/span>increased working memory capacity.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

You don\u2019t need any special class or equipment for freewriting, which makes it an easy hobby to begin. You just need a journal and a pen or paper. Typing on a computer may be faster, but for the greatest effect, it\u2019s best to write by hand: <\/span>studies have found<\/span><\/a> handwriting creates more brain activity than typing. For daily prompts, try a guided journaling book or a digital journaling app.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Dance<\/h3>\n

Dancing is one of humanity\u2019s oldest and most beloved forms of expression, and it can be a powerful tool in protecting your brain from decline. <\/span>A 2019 study<\/span><\/a> of 429 older adults, for example, found that dance intervention lasting between 10 weeks and 18 months was linked to maintenance or improvement of cognitive performance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are many ways to get involved in dance as an older adult. Dance studios, community centers and YMCAs often offer dance or movement classes for adults. There are many online courses or free YouTube videos that let you dance from home. And don\u2019t be afraid to crank up the music and dance in your own kitchen: as they say, \u201cdance like no one\u2019s watching\u201d \u2013 the brain boost will still help!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Subscribe to a mystery box<\/h3>\n

When it comes to staving off cognitive impairment, <\/span>novelty is key<\/span><\/a>: trying new things and learning new concepts are all important for brain health as we age. A subscription to a monthly \u201cmystery box\u201d can help offer this novelty, as it brings new games, puzzles and books to explore.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Several companies now offer subscription boxes designed for seniors or for people living with dementia. The monthly boxes are a fun surprise and full of engaging, brain-boosting activities to stimulate memory, concentration and cognitive functioning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Identify plants and animals<\/h3>\n

You probably know how to identify a handful of flowers and trees, along with most common animals \u2013 what if you challenged yourself to learn many more? Learning new skills <\/span>is linked to the production of myelin<\/span><\/a>, the critical, protective coating of nerves in your brain structure, and one great way to practice is to memorize more of the world around you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many apps now offer on-the-go identification of plants, birds and other wildlife. Some offer quizzes to help test your memory and make it easier to identify birdsong or animal prints in the wild. This is a great way to learn new things, boost your memory and appreciate the Earth.<\/span><\/p>\n

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General tips for improving memory and concentration<\/h3>\n

Keeping your brain healthy is a holistic process: it\u2019s important to keep your body healthy and stimulated, too. Here are some general tips for improving brain health, boosting memory and improving concentration.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n