Greater amounts of beta-amyloid are associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline. The researchers also recorded other factors that are known to influence cognitive function, like health history, sleep behavior, smoking, exercise habits, depression symptoms, and previous occupations.

Everyone was then re-evaluated up to 14 years later, with the participants' average age at the end being These same folks did share similar lifestyle traits. But they also were the ones who had continued to work many years past usual retirement age and expressed high satisfaction with life.

This echoed other studies with a similar message: An engaged brain is a healthy brain. Without enough exercise, it can become weak and prone to problems," says Lydia Cho, a neuropsychologist with Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital.

Staying in the workforce offers multiple benefits that can help preserve and even improve brain health, according to Cho.

For instance, working increases social engagement and is linked to a lower risk of depression, both of which are associated with better brain health. Also, people who continue working have some added protection against the risk of depression. The workplace offers the chance to actively use your mental skills, such as problem solving, breaking down complex tasks, comprehension understanding multiple sources of information , and evaluation judging whether a decision is correct.

Even if you don't need the money, getting compensated for work offers a mental boost because it validates your worth, says Cho. Another bonus: any extra money can be put toward things you would not otherwise do and that might also support brain health, like personal training sessions or stress-reducers like massages and vacations.

If you cannot hold a traditional job now because of the pandemic, consider volunteering. Many opportunities can be done online or from home. Can't work or volunteer right now because of the COVID pandemic?

There are ways to replicate these positive social interactions. Lydia Cho, a neuropsychologist with Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital, suggests creating a personal "pod" — an intimate small group that you interact with regularly. Schedule regular meet-ups so it becomes a habit and not something you do only when the need arises.

If you can't safely meet in person while practicing safe social distancing , use Zoom or FaceTime on your computer or phone. Ask family or friends to assist with the technology if necessary. Life satisfaction — how you feel about your current life and its direction — is often a struggle for people as they age because they no longer feel a sense of purpose, according to Cho.

Working and volunteering can help fulfill this need, but overall life satisfaction can be much more. This can mean re-evaluating your interests to focus more on personal development and growth.

If you need a spark, she suggests revisiting interests you put aside when you were younger, or taking on something you have always wanted to explore. For example, sign up for college classes in subjects that now stimulate your mind and interest, like history, writing, or science.

Platforms such as Skillshare www. com offer online classes and tutorials on a variety of creative subjects. And many local community and senior centers offer workshops in which you can learn a new skill or polish an older one, such as public speaking, cooking, or home maintenance.

Your brain will thank you for many years to come. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.

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Log In Collections. Get Pro. Keep reading for FREE. Path to Cognitive Vitality Whether we're confronting the challenges of work, school, or everyday life, the ability to maintain focus and concentration is essential for well-being Prioritizing our mental health and investing in practices that nurture our cognitive vitality, we unlock our full potential and lead lives of purpose, passion,fulfillment In a world besieged by distractions and cognitive overload, the quest for lasting focus enhancement takes on newfound urgency.

Accessible Techniques for All Contrary to common misconceptions, mastering open monitoring isn't reserved for seasoned meditators or cognitive elites.

A Blueprint for Mindful Mastery As we peer into the horizon of cognitive science, the path to mindful mastery unfolds before us. The Introspective Journey of Interoception Through the practice of interoception, we cultivate a profound awareness of our internal state, igniting a cascade of neural changes that bolster focus and cognitive resilience.

The Evidence of Lasting Impact Bolstered by empirical research, the efficacy of focused introspection and open monitoring becomes undeniable. Understanding Attentional Circuits In the labyrinth of our minds, attentional circuits play a pivotal role in how we focus and process information.

Open Monitoring Rooted in the expansion of visual awareness, open monitoring empowers us to embrace panoramic vision, allowing for the seamless integration of diverse stimuli and heightened cognitive processing capabilities This shift from narrow, tunnel vi CURATED FROM.

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Neuro Solutions Newsletter. Free newsletter shares insights and practical strategies so you can live your best life every day. As we embark on this journey, envision unlocking the full potential of your memory—transforming it from a mere repository of facts into a dynamic force that enhances your cognitive wellness.

This concise guide is a roadmap, navigating through the fascinating realms of memory health, lifestyle choices, and age-related nuances. Join us on this exploration, where the benefits extend beyond just memory; it can possibly lead you to embrace a life rich with mental acuity, resilience, and the joy of an optimally functioning mind.

Memory health is a dynamic spectrum that encompasses a range of cognitive functions, from short-term recall to long-term retention. Our memory is not a monolithic entity but rather a multi-faceted landscape where different types of memories reside.

Short-term memory allows us to remember recent events or information, while long-term memory stores experiences that have shaped our lives. Understanding this spectrum provides a nuanced perspective on the diverse aspects that contribute to cognitive wellness.

At the heart of memory health lies the brain, orchestrating a symphony of neural connections and intricate pathways. The hippocampus, a key player in this cognitive orchestra, acts as the conductor, coordinating the formation and retrieval of memories.

This phenomenon allows the brain to reorganize itself, forming new neural connections and pathways in response to learning and experiences. Acknowledging the plastic nature of our brains underscores the potential for improvement and optimization, even as we age.

In navigating the foundations of memory health, you embark on a journey into the intricate workings of the brain, where each facet contributes to the symphony of cognitive vitality.

Embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of memory health. Memory, much like a muscle, possesses the incredible capacity to be trained and fortified. In this segment, you embark on a journey through practical memory exercises, offering you a toolkit to enhance cognitive function and maintain the agility of your brain.

Incorporate mnemonic devices seamlessly into your daily routine. The following sections present the results of the analysis Figure 1. In gerontology, cognitive ability and cognitive efficiency are used as synonymous terms of cognitive vitality [21,22]; whereas epidemiological studies sometimes use intellectual vitality [23].

Cognitive vitality is also symbolized as successful aging or aging well [], which implies the absence of major physical disability and cognitive impairment until later age [17]. Another synonymous term for cognitive vitality is cognitive health stemming from geriatric and Alzheimer research [27].

Terms such as mental abilities, daily functioning, and independent living are used to describe cognitive vitality among older adults [28]. In some stances, successful cognitive aging and resiliency, are umbrella terms under which cognitive vitality falls [30].

The Oxford Dictionary [31] defines vitality as the state of being strong and active; and having the energy or the power giving continuance of life, which is present in all living things e.

the vitality of seeds. In support of the preceding perspectives, George Klein in [33] defined vitality as "personal feelings of pleasure in experiencing the self as an effective agent of change which resides in the perception that through one's interference one has changed and can change the course of events once set in motion" p.

Vitality, as organismic well-being, interacts with both psychological and somatic factors to impact the inner strength available to the self [35]. However, [30] warned scholars of surrogate terms that are often confused with cognitive vitality.

The first of these terms is cognitive functioning, which denotes performance-based indicators of cognitive ability or skill [30]. Indicators of cognitive functioning include perceptual speed, episodic memory, incidental memory, and semantic memory [6].

A second term is that of cognitive aging, which refers to documented changes in cognitive functioning that occur throughout adult development and aging [30]. The third is cognitive health that, in a more global term, describes the spectrum of aggregate cognitive functioning varying from absence of impairment to mild cognitive impairment and more severe impairment, such as dementing disorders [30].

However, there is no one universal definition for cognitive vitality [23]. In epidemiological studies, cognitive vitality is often referred to as maintenance of intellectual vitality [23].

This implies the preservation of an optimal level of cognitive performance and brain restructuring activities that have been associated with an individual's response to exposure to a stimulating social environment [23]. Another definition from aging research done by [27] used cognitive health, a synonymous term of cognitive vitality [27] asserted that cognitive health is not merely the absence of disease, but rather a personal achievement and enrichment of multidimensional cognitive structures that allow an individual to sustain social connectedness, an ongoing sense of purpose, along with the ability to function independently, facilitate functional recovery from illness or injury, and to cope with residual functional deficits p.

Additionally, cognitive vitality reflects extended cognitive health, which capitalizes on one's cognitive skills and resources to maintain successful cognitive functioning and adaptation to daily life conditions [25].

This is especially important, among people who are faced with debilitating conditions, such as stroke, acquired brain injury, dementia and major depressive disorder [36]. Cognitive vitality also represents the retention of high cognitive functions and maintenance of one's intellect despite old age [5].

A recent definition introduced by [30] proposed that cognitive vitality expands beyond experiencing dementing disorders, and as such its definition incorporates both cognitive functioning, other skills, and disposition, which are applied for successful adaptation to an individual's unique everyday environment.

This definition embraces [37] perspective, which proposes that cognitive vitality can represent a compensatory process that uses preserved and improved cognitive resources e.

Neuroscientific evidence implicitly supports that cognitive vitality relates to enhanced cognitive performance, brain function and structures in later adulthood [4].

From health promotion perspectives, cognitive vitality is an accumulation of possibilities of staying mentally or intellectually sharp into old age through a sustained by cognitive reserve, acquired knowledge, and avoiding brain insults [15].

As the summary of definitions shows see Table 1 , a cognitively vital individual remains socially engaged, productive, and can function independently both at a physical and cognitive level [38] Table 1. Cognitive vitality is defined by a variety of cognitive and vitality attributes.

The concept analysis results found that the current literature linked attributes in Table 2 to cognitive vitality. Developing and maintaining cognitive vitality relies on a combination of internal and external antecedents i.

Internal precursors that have been consistently linked to cognitive vitality include genetic heritability, such as being born in a family of centenarians [23].

Other internal precursors include protecting the brain from insults or harms associated with smoking and heavy alcohol use as well as [4] properly manage medical comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia [25].

External precursors include living an engaged lifestyle involving rich novel experiences which stimulate complex cognitive processes, such as decision making, creativity, evaluation of ideas, and competition [28,39]. Additionally, cognitive vitality has been linked to external precursors, such as maintenance of social connectedness and social activities; healthy eating; and a higher level of education and professional occupation [23].

There are several interventions which can bolster cognitive vitality among older adulthood or alleviate old-related cognitive decline [40]. Interventions which include intellectually stimulating activities; for example, riddles, logic games or memory tasks, sustain cognitive vitality in the geriatric population [18].

Additionally, interventions which maintain cognitive vitality capitalize on traditional computerized cognitive rehabilitation programs e. Alternatively, individuals may undertake quilting lessons design of complex abstract patterns , or a combination of both quilting and photography [9].

Interventions intended to promote cognitive vitality may also include combining motivational teaching and rehabilitation techniques into a highly engaging program that emphasizes enjoyment, intrinsic motivation, and active participation, while also engaging in a more traditional computer-based memory training program [41].

Cognitive vitality can benefit from different lifestyle choices, including participating in physical activities PAs in middle-adulthood which increase cerebral blood and development of new capillaries in the hippocampus, cerebellum and motor cortex, and enhanced brain structures [8].

Research has linked these changes in brain structures and vascularization to increased production of neurotrophic molecules, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factors BDNF , and a series of molecular and cellular cascades [4]. A review of literature supported that PAs induce neuroplasticity substrates, neurotrophic signaling, neurogenesis, stress response, and antioxidant defense, in the brain whereas cognitive engagement enhances brain and cognitive reserve [15].

The review indicated that PAs increase neurotrophic signaling which in turn stimulates BDNF that is crucial for maintenance, growth, and synaptic plasticity of neurons, an essential mechanism for healthy emotions and cognition.

PAs not only increase adult neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, learning in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, but also alleviate chronic inflammation a condition associated with cognitive impairment, mood disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders [14] Table 2.

Table 1: Summary of definitions. Source: Data extracted from reports included in this concept analysis. A review of gerontology evidence by [16] demonstrated that the importance of lifestyle choices in protecting cognitive vitality [16] found diet rich in E vitamins and mental exercise, such as that keeps the mind active exert a protective effect on cognitive vitality.

In the same vein, to promote cognitive vitality, various resources advocate for a lifestyle that sustains healthy functionality of the body systems, including cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, sense organs, psychological, mental functions [42], and healthy eating, such as a Mediterranean diet [17,18,22].

Empirical referents are measurable domains or categories of actual phenomena that by their existence or presence indicate the occurrence of the concept itself [1]. The concept of cognitive vitality has empirical referents related to cognitive functions, including processing speed, working memory, inductive reasoning, everyday problem solving, visual-spatial processing, and divergent thinking [12,39].

Other empirical referents related cognitive functions are that of memory performance, ability of correctly identifying information in familiar everyday stimuli, and information processing focused on the speed with which a person can identify specific information e.

telephone numbers, names of items in an overcrowded grocery store and counting specified amounts of change [28,40]. As for reasoning, the ABACLA and APA [43] proposed pragmatic ways of assessment, which consists of exercising logical reasoning about outcomes and comparing two choices, along with visual-spatial reasoning which involves perception and visual problem-solving.

gov or. The site is secure. Cognitive health — the ability to clearly think, learn, and remember — is an important component of performing everyday activities. Cognitive health is just one aspect of overall brain health.

A growing body of scientific research suggests that the following steps are linked to cognitive health. Small changes may really add up: Making these part of your routine could help you function better.

Preventing or controlling high blood pressure , not only helps your heart, but may help your brain too. Decades of observational studies have shown that having high blood pressure in midlife — the 40s to early 60s — increases the risk of cognitive decline later in life.

In addition, the SPRINT-MIND study, a nationwide clinical trial, showed that intensive lowering of blood pressure even below the previous standard target of for systolic blood pressure lowers the risk for mild cognitive impairment, which is a risk factor for dementia.

High blood pressure often does not cause signs of illness that you can see or feel. Routine visits to your doctor will help pick up changes in your blood pressure, even though you might feel fine. To control or lower high blood pressure, your doctor may suggest exercise, changes in your diet, and if needed — medications.

These steps can help protect your brain and your heart. A healthy diet can help reduce the risk of many chronic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes.

It may also help keep your brain healthy. In general, a healthy diet consists of fruits and vegetables; whole grains; lean meats, fish, and poultry; and low-fat or nonfat dairy products. You should also limit solid fats, sugar, and salt. Be sure to control portion sizes and drink enough water and other fluids.

Researchers are looking at whether a healthy diet can help preserve cognitive function or reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. For example, there is some evidence that people who eat a Mediterranean diet have a lower risk of developing dementia.

In contrast, the typical Western diet often increases cardiovascular disease risk, possibly contributing to faster brain aging. Researchers have developed and are testing another diet, called MIND , a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diets.

Being physically active — through regular exercise, household chores, or other activities — has many benefits. It can help you:. In one study, exercise stimulated the human brain's ability to maintain old network connections and make new ones that are vital to cognitive health.

Other studies have shown that exercise increases the size of a brain structure important to memory and learning, resulting in better spatial memory. Aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, is thought to be more beneficial to cognitive health than nonaerobic stretching and toning exercise.

Federal guidelines recommend that all adults get at least minutes 2. Walking is a good start. You can also join programs that teach you to move safely and prevent falls, which can lead to brain and other injuries.

Check with your health care provider if you haven't been active and want to start a vigorous exercise program. Being intellectually engaged may benefit the brain. People who engage in personally meaningful activities , such as volunteering or hobbies, say they feel happier and healthier.

Learning new skills may improve your thinking ability, too. For example, one study found that older adults who learned quilting or digital photography had more memory improvement than those who only socialized or did less cognitively demanding activities.

Some of the research on engagement in activities such as music, theater, dance, and creative writing has shown promise for improving quality of life and well-being in older adults, from better memory and self-esteem to reduced stress and increased social interaction. However, a recent, comprehensive report reviewing the design and findings of these and other studies did not find strong evidence that these types of activities have a lasting, beneficial effect on cognition.

Additional research is needed, and in large numbers of diverse older adults, to be able to say definitively whether these activities may help reduce decline or maintain healthy cognition.

Lots of activities can keep your mind active. For example, read books and magazines.

N Engl J Med. J Am Geriatr Soc. Psychiatr Danub. Physical activity predicts gray matter volume in late adulthood: The cardiovascular health study. Total daily physical activity and the risk of AD and cognitive decline in older adults. Physical exercise at midlife and risk of dementia three decades later: A population-based study of swedish twins.

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. Depressive symptoms and risk of dementia: The framingham heart study. Midlife vs late-life depressive symptoms and risk of dementia: Differential effects for alzheimer disease and vascular dementia.

Arch Gen Psychiatry. Effect of purpose in life on the relation between alzheimer disease pathologic changes on cognitive function in advanced age. Brain grey matter deficits in smokers: Focus on the cerebellum.

Brain Struct Funct. Regional grey and white matter changes in heavy male smokers. PLoS One. Heavy smoking in midlife and long-term risk of alzheimer disease and vascular dementia.

Arch Intern Med. Engaging in cognitive activities, aging, and mild cognitive impairment: A population-based study. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. Personality and lifestyle in relation to dementia incidence.

Lancet Neurol. Alzheimer disease in the United States — estimated using the census. Dan Buettner has traveled the world to identify the statistically happiest populations on earth. This month will be full of holiday cookie swaps, company parties, and family gatherings right….

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We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. What Is Cognitive Vitality?

Which if any of these claims are true? Is there any ironclad way for consumers to know who to trust these days? Supporting evidence and safety factors are also listed for each program or product on the site, as well as detailed information about dementia prevention and whether the results might be different for those with the hereditary APOE4 gene a risk factor that has been identified for the disease.

Our goal is to empower people to make smart choices for their brains. Another feature of the Cognitive Vitality website is a summary on how to avoid risks, including articles on the danger of air pollution, various medications found to increase disease risks, and more.

Access the Cognitive Vitality tool to view product reviews here. Many recent studies, from a wide range of sources, concur that exercise is one of the best things a person can do for brain health, during the lifespan. Exercise lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, lowers the risk of diabetes and heart disease and reduces stress — all major risk factors for the disease.

Studies have also shown that regular aerobic exercise slows down normal cognitive decline that occurs during aging in older adults.

Another encouraging finding in clinical studies is that exercise can reduce the amyloid plaques abnormal protein in the brain, which is thought to be a preceptor to the disease.

For caregivers and family members who carry the APOE4 gene, exercise and other lifestyle changes was identified as being even more influential in reducing risk and protecting the brain, than for those without the gene. There are several factors at play when a person works out regularly.

For example, blood flow to the brain is increased — raising the level of other healthy chemicals that work to protect the brain. Exercise has also been found to reduce the loss of neural connections that occurs naturally with age.

Overcoming this fear can help you stay active, maintain your physical health, and prevent future falls. Some drugs and combinations of medicines can affect a person's thinking and the way the brain works. For example, certain ones can cause confusion, memory loss, hallucinations, and delusions in older adults.

Medicines can also interact with food, dietary supplements, alcohol, and other substances. Some of these interactions can affect how your brain functions. Drugs that can harm older adults' cognition include:. Lack of exercise and other physical activity may increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, depression, and stroke — all of which can harm the brain.

In some studies, physical activity has been linked to improved cognitive performance and reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease. In general, staying active is known to lower the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and symptoms of depression, all of which in turn can improve cognitive health.

A number of studies link eating certain foods with keeping the brain healthy and suggest that other foods can increase health risk.

For example, high-fat and high-sodium foods can lead to health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes, that can harm the brain.

Smoking is harmful to your body and your brain. It raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and lung disease. Quitting smoking at any age can improve your health. Drinking too much alcohol affects the brain by slowing or impairing communication among brain cells.

This can lead to slurred speech, fuzzy memory, drowsiness, and dizziness. Long-term effects may include changes in balance, memory, emotions, coordination, and body temperature. Staying away from alcohol can reverse some of these changes.

As people age, they may become more sensitive to alcohol's effects. The same amount of alcohol can have a greater effect on an older person than on someone who is younger. Also, some medicines can be dangerous when mixed with alcohol.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. At any age, getting a good night's sleep supports brain health. Sleep problems — not getting enough sleep, sleeping poorly, and sleep disorders — can lead to trouble with memory, concentration, and other cognitive functions.

Social isolation and feeling lonely may be bad for brain health. Loneliness has been linked to higher risk for dementia, and less social activity has been linked to poorer cognitive function.

gov www. ADEAR Center staff answer telephone, email, and written requests and make referrals to local and national resources. Alzheimer's Association TTY info alz. org www. This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging NIA. NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.

Content reviewed: October 01, An official website of the National Institutes of Health. Home Health Topics A-Z Brain health Cognitive Health and Older Adults Share: Print page Facebook share Linkedin share X social media share.

Cognitive Health and Older Adults. Take Care of Your Physical Health Manage High Blood Pressure Eat Healthy Foods Be Physically Active Keep Your Mind Active Stay Connected with Social Activities Manage Stress Reduce Risks to Cognitive Health.

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Free newsletter shares insights and practical strategies so you can live your best life every day. As we embark on this journey, envision unlocking the full potential of your memory—transforming it from a mere repository of facts into a dynamic force that enhances your cognitive wellness.

This concise guide is a roadmap, navigating through the fascinating realms of memory health, lifestyle choices, and age-related nuances. Join us on this exploration, where the benefits extend beyond just memory; it can possibly lead you to embrace a life rich with mental acuity, resilience, and the joy of an optimally functioning mind.

Memory health is a dynamic spectrum that encompasses a range of cognitive functions, from short-term recall to long-term retention. Our memory is not a monolithic entity but rather a multi-faceted landscape where different types of memories reside.

Short-term memory allows us to remember recent events or information, while long-term memory stores experiences that have shaped our lives.

Understanding this spectrum provides a nuanced perspective on the diverse aspects that contribute to cognitive wellness. At the heart of memory health lies the brain, orchestrating a symphony of neural connections and intricate pathways. The hippocampus, a key player in this cognitive orchestra, acts as the conductor, coordinating the formation and retrieval of memories.

This phenomenon allows the brain to reorganize itself, forming new neural connections and pathways in response to learning and experiences.

Acknowledging the plastic nature of our brains underscores the potential for improvement and optimization, even as we age. In navigating the foundations of memory health, you embark on a journey into the intricate workings of the brain, where each facet contributes to the symphony of cognitive vitality.

Embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of memory health. Memory, much like a muscle, possesses the incredible capacity to be trained and fortified. In this segment, you embark on a journey through practical memory exercises, offering you a toolkit to enhance cognitive function and maintain the agility of your brain.

Incorporate mnemonic devices seamlessly into your daily routine. Whether crafting acronyms or rhymes, these mental shortcuts transform information retrieval.

Apply this technique during your morning routine or while commuting to seamlessly integrate visual associations into your day. These practical memory exercises are not just theoretical concepts but actionable steps towards fortifying your cognitive resilience.

Beyond the realm of physical exercises, the 3 lifestyle factors that are often less regarded also are key players in sustaining optimal memory health.

This section navigates through the profound impact of lifestyle choices on cognitive vitality, providing insights and practical tips for cultivating a brain-healthy routine. Grasp the science behind sleep and its impact on memory consolidation. Upgrade your sleep quality with actionable strategies:.

Your lifestyle choices are not just daily routines; they are the building blocks of a resilient and vibrant cognitive landscape. As the chapters unfold in the book of our lives, the tapestry of memory undergoes a subtle metamorphosis. Around the age of 30, you reach a pinnacle in many cognitive abilities.

As time progresses, subtle changes may occur, such as a slight slowdown in thinking, challenges in multitasking, and occasional word-finding difficulties. Without enough exercise, it can become weak and prone to problems," says Lydia Cho, a neuropsychologist with Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital.

Staying in the workforce offers multiple benefits that can help preserve and even improve brain health, according to Cho. For instance, working increases social engagement and is linked to a lower risk of depression, both of which are associated with better brain health.

Also, people who continue working have some added protection against the risk of depression. The workplace offers the chance to actively use your mental skills, such as problem solving, breaking down complex tasks, comprehension understanding multiple sources of information , and evaluation judging whether a decision is correct.

Even if you don't need the money, getting compensated for work offers a mental boost because it validates your worth, says Cho.

Another bonus: any extra money can be put toward things you would not otherwise do and that might also support brain health, like personal training sessions or stress-reducers like massages and vacations. If you cannot hold a traditional job now because of the pandemic, consider volunteering.

Many opportunities can be done online or from home. Can't work or volunteer right now because of the COVID pandemic? There are ways to replicate these positive social interactions. Lydia Cho, a neuropsychologist with Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital, suggests creating a personal "pod" — an intimate small group that you interact with regularly.

Schedule regular meet-ups so it becomes a habit and not something you do only when the need arises. If you can't safely meet in person while practicing safe social distancing , use Zoom or FaceTime on your computer or phone.

Ask family or friends to assist with the technology if necessary. Life satisfaction — how you feel about your current life and its direction — is often a struggle for people as they age because they no longer feel a sense of purpose, according to Cho.

Working and volunteering can help fulfill this need, but overall life satisfaction can be much more. This can mean re-evaluating your interests to focus more on personal development and growth. If you need a spark, she suggests revisiting interests you put aside when you were younger, or taking on something you have always wanted to explore.

For example, sign up for college classes in subjects that now stimulate your mind and interest, like history, writing, or science. Platforms such as Skillshare www. com offer online classes and tutorials on a variety of creative subjects. And many local community and senior centers offer workshops in which you can learn a new skill or polish an older one, such as public speaking, cooking, or home maintenance.

Your brain will thank you for many years to come. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.