7 daily habits of people who continue to have a good memory into their 70s and beyond

Are you tired of losing your car keys or forgetting important dates? Good news – you can actually improve your memory. And it’s not as hard as you might think.

You see, it all comes down to habits. Those who maintain a sharp memory well into their 70s and beyond have certain daily habits that help them do so.

These habits are simple, yet very effective. They don’t require any special equipment or drastic lifestyle changes.

So, if you’re ready to boost your memory and keep it strong for the years to come, then stay tuned.

In this article, we’ll explore the daily habits of people who continue to have a good memory into their 70s and beyond. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how effortless these habits are to incorporate into your routine.

1) Brain-training games

You’ve probably heard of Sudoku, crosswords, and other puzzles that challenge your brain. But did you know they’re not just fun and games?

You see, people who maintain a strong memory into their 70s and beyond often engage in these kinds of activities daily. They might not know they’re doing something good for their brain, they might just enjoy the challenge.

But here’s the science behind it. These games stimulate your mind, keeping it active and sharp. Just like physical exercise helps keep your body healthy, mental exercise helps keep your mind healthy.

So if you’re looking to boost your memory, consider incorporating these brain-training games into your daily routine. They’re fun, easy to access, and best of all, they’re effective.

Remember, it’s not about being the fastest or the best at these games. It’s about consistently challenging your brain and keeping it active. And that’s a habit worth forming.

2) Regular physical activity

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t always the most active person. But when I turned 50, I decided to make some changes. My memory wasn’t what it used to be and I knew I had to do something about it.

So, I started going on daily walks. Nothing too strenuous, just a 30-minute walk around my neighborhood.

And you know what? I started noticing a difference.

People who keep their memory sharp into their 70s and beyond often have a regular physical activity in their routine. And there’s a reason for this.

Physical activity increases blood flow to your whole body, including your brain. This helps keep your mind sharp and can aid memory retention.

My daily walks became a habit. And over time, not only did my memory improve but my overall health did too.

It’s never too late to start. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a swim, or even dancing around your living room – find a physical activity you enjoy and make it a part of your daily routine.

Your brain will thank you for it.

3) Practicing mindfulness daily

Mindfulness might seem like a trendy buzzword these days, but it’s more than just a fad. It’s a powerful tool that can significantly impact your memory.

People with impressive memory well into their 70s and beyond often practice mindfulness daily. They take time each day to be present, to truly experience the moment they’re in, without judgment or distraction.

In my book “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment“, I explain how mindfulness helps us to focus better, reduces stress, and enhances our memory.

The techniques outlined in the book can help you bring mindfulness into your daily routine and reap these benefits.

When we’re mindful, we’re fully engaged in what we’re doing. We’re not thinking about the past or worrying about the future. This focus can enhance our ability to remember and recall information.

Whether it’s through meditation, mindful walking, or simply paying more attention while you’re eating or listening to music, incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine could be your secret weapon to maintaining a strong memory.

4) Eating memory-boosting foods

There was a time when junk food was a regular part of the diet. Chips, soda, fast food – you name it. It was quick, easy, and satisfying. But over time, the negative effects started to show.

Not just physically, but mentally too.

Turns out, our brain health is significantly affected by what we eat. People who keep a sharp memory into their 70s and beyond typically have a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.

Foods like blueberries, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate – they’re all packed with antioxidants and nutrients that are great for brain health.

The junk food was replaced gradually with healthier choices. The difference was noticeable. Better focus, sharper memory, and overall improved mental well-being.

So if you’re looking to boost your memory, it might be time to take a closer look at your diet. Adding more memory-boosting foods could be just what your brain needs to stay sharp.

5) Embracing forgetfulness

Now, this might sound a bit counter-intuitive, but stick with me here. People who maintain a good memory well into their 70s and beyond actually embrace forgetfulness.

Here’s why. Our brains are not meant to remember everything. They’re designed to filter out information that isn’t important or relevant, so we can focus on what is.

In fact, forgetting can be a sign of a healthy brain, working as it should. It’s a natural part of the memory process and it can actually help improve your memory in the long run.

So the next time you forget something minor, don’t panic or get frustrated. Instead, see it as a sign that your brain is doing its job. And remember, it’s the important things that truly matter.

Embrace forgetfulness and focus on strengthening your memory where it counts. It’s a habit that can lead to a sharper memory in your later years.

6) Consistent sleep patterns

While we sleep, our brain is hard at work processing the events of the day, consolidating our memories, and preparing for the next day.

So, it should come as no surprise that those who have a good memory well into their 70s and beyond make it a habit to get consistent, quality sleep.

In fact, research has shown a strong link between good sleep and improved memory and cognitive function. Lack of sleep, on the other hand, can lead to forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating.

Prioritizing sleep may mean establishing a regular bedtime routine, making your sleeping environment conducive to rest, or addressing any sleep issues you might have.

Remember, good sleep isn’t just about the quantity but also the quality. So make it a habit to give your brain the rest it needs to function at its best. Your memory will thank you for it.

7) Lifelong learning

Never stop learning. This is perhaps the most important habit of all. Those who maintain a sharp memory into their 70s and beyond are often lifelong learners.

They constantly challenge their minds with new information and experiences. This could be through reading, taking up a new hobby, traveling to new places, or even just engaging in stimulating conversations.

Constant learning keeps your brain active and engaged, which can help improve memory and cognitive function. It also keeps life interesting and fulfilling.

Embrace the habit of lifelong learning. Your brain will thank you for it.

Final thoughts: It’s all about nurturing your brain

At the end of the day, maintaining a good memory well into your 70s and beyond is about nurturing your brain. Much like a plant needs water, sunlight, and good soil to thrive, our brains need consistent stimulation, proper nutrition, quality sleep, and mindful practices.

One way to ensure you’re giving your brain what it needs is by adopting these seven daily habits. Each one contributes to well-rounded brain health and collectively, they can make a significant difference in your memory.

My book “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment” offers a deeper insight into one of these habits – mindfulness. It’s a tool that can help you live in the present, reduce stress, and enhance memory.

Remember, our brains are remarkable organs with the ability to adapt and improve with practice. So don’t worry if you’re not there yet. Start small, be consistent, and gradually incorporate these habits into your daily routine.

It’s never too late to start nurturing your brain. Because when it comes to maintaining a good memory, every little step counts.