How to Increase Your Brain Power After Age 50

Getting older can be a productive, fulfilling time of life. It does, however, bring new challenges with it, not only regarding our physical health, but our memory and cognitive skills as well. It is important to do things that will help boost our "brain power" and aid us in remaining in focus mentally. There are a number of ways that this may be achieved.

Drink green tea. It is strong in antioxidants and helps lower plaque in the brain. Consuming at least 2 cups daily can improve your cognitive function and keep your mental faculties from declining. If you don't want to drink green tea that has caffeine, there are some health food stores that may carry decaffeinated brands.

Take the appropriate vitamins and supplements, such as a daily mutivitamin/ mineral supplement, flaxseed oil, ginkgo and acetyl-carnitine. Make sure that you check with your doctor before taking any supplements, to make sure that there are no interactions with any prescription drugs you are on.

Take apple cider- about a teaspoon- in a glass of purified water, prior to eating. It may take you some time to get used to the acidic taste, but it provides a boost to your memory, which is fair compensation.

Eat foods that benefit you mentally. Get rid of trans fats, reduce or eliminate white sugar, alcohol and preservatives from your diet. Eat folate-enriched foods and things like leafy green vegetables, broccoli, beans, brown rice,oranges, salmon, tuna, spinach, yogurt, wheat germ, lean chicken, lean turkey, bananas, peanut butter and oatmeal to boost your brain power.

Play games. Games are not just a source of fun, but they may actually help improve mental clarity and memory. There are several online sites that offer free games in several categories, among them more traditional games like scrabble, mah jong, chess, solitaire, trivia and puzzle games. You can find sites that offer "brain exercises," such as BrainConnection, specifically geared towards increasing mental alertness. Offline you can do crossword and search-a-word puzzles to keep your brain in tiptop condition.

Reduce stress, which can destroy brain cells. Pray, meditate, listen to soothing music and exercise. Get a network of supportive family members and friends with whom you can stay in regular contact. Some of the most practical advice you can get is in the famous "Prayer of Serenity". If you take those words to heart, you will find that you can deal with life a lot more peacefully.

Get enough sleep. A tired brain doesn't function as well. As we age, sleep problems are normal, so, if you are having significant problems going to sleep or staying asleep, inform your doctor. If you don't want to be put on a prescription medication for insomnia, because of the risk of side-effects, try drinking a cup of chamomile or valerian tea before bedtime. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first, however, to make sure there are no drug interactions.