AARP Staying Sharp

SolStock/Getty Images Interested in trying a new activity that trains both the body and mind? Orienteering, a sport in which participants find their way around a pre-set outdoor course using nothing but a map and a compass, might be just the thing. Not only is it fun, it offers particular benefits for older adults. The sport, which is growing in popularity, stresses exercising navigation skills — which some studies show help improve memory and learning in people of all ages.

iStock Are you a fan of fish? If the answer is yes, that spells good news for your brain health. People who eat a lot of seafood, particularly “fatty” fish, may be at lower risk for the loss of thinking skills that can be a result of Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, in 2018, AARP’s Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH) put fish on its list of encouraged foods. What is it exactly about fatty fish, such as salmon, anchovies and halibut, that serve up potential brain benefits?

Getty Images It’s no secret to the millions of pet owners out there that interacting with an animal is a surefire mood booster, but it goes beyond that: Playing with, cuddling or walking your pet can improve physical fitness, as well as mental health. And some benefits are specific to adults over 50. A variety of recent studies and reports emphasize the positive points of owning a pet (or even just borrowing one for a game of fetch or two).

Want to get a great workout without pounding the pavement (and your knees)? Biking is one of the most versatile forms of exercise: It’s suitable for all fitness levels, gentle on the joints, and you can cycle outdoors or inside on a stationary bike. Like other forms of aerobic activity, biking can strengthen your heart, lungs and muscles, and research suggests it also may benefit your brain.

We all feel stuck in a rut from time to time. If you need to make a change but don’t know where to start, consider going for a walk — but not your average walk. Instead of focusing on getting your heart rate up and breaking a sweat, try mindful walking. Also known as walking meditation, it’s a great step toward finding that creative solution that’s been eluding you, or setting a new direction.

"All the lonely people — where do they all come from?" The Beatles were asking an important question with that haunting lyric. Health experts have been asking another one: How can we, as individuals and as a society, strengthen our social ties and feelings of connection? In his 2023 report, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy shined a spotlight on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation as well as the health consequences, which include an increased risk of dementia and heart disease.

Can crosswords prevent dementia? Does mental sharpness inevitably decline as you age? Recent research is challenging long-held assumptions about the older brain and pointing to ways to support brain health. Check out these three myths — and myth-busting facts. Fact: Games and puzzles are wildly popular, but evidence that they reduce the risk of dementia is “weak to non-existent,” says a report by AARP’s Global Council on Brain Health. That doesn’t mean games are a waste of time, though.

kali9/Getty Images What does “self-care” mean to you? If you enjoy bubble baths and pedicures, keep ’em up! But be sure you’re taking care of yourself on a deeper level, too, with habits that may help support your brain health. Bonus: These three action steps can help you feel good on a daily basis. Elevate your friendships. Chronic loneliness can up your risk for dementia and many other health problems, according to a 2023 report from the U.S. surgeon general.

Yoga’s popularity is on the rise, as is the list of its potential benefits. Flexibility? Check. Strength? Check. Balance? Check. But what about brain health? Regular yoga practice may help slow age-related mental decline, suggests a review of 11 studies that used brain imaging.

It’s easy to lapse into all-or-nothing thinking at mealtime: Spend hours preparing a healthy feast or grab takeout or pop in a frozen pizza. The truth is, there are quick and simple ways to eat nutritious foods at every meal. Small diet tweaks can benefit your health, including brain health. 1. Keep frozen berries on hand. “They’re washed, they’re clean, they’re ready to go,” Boston University nutrition professor Joan Salge Blake says.