Why is it that some people reach a ripe old age with their mental faculties more or less intact whereas other people seem to deteriorate rapidly in their twilight years? While we can’t be sure of exactly what the recipe for staying sharp in your later years is, research has shown that there are a number of things you can do to give yourself the best chance of staying mentally healthy beyond the age of 70. Read on to find out a few practices and activities that you can do help you stay at the peak of your mental ability.

1. Diet

Unsurprisingly, what we eat has a massive effect on our mental health. Eating a diet of fresh fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains is linked to staying mentally agile. Such a diet has also been proven to significantly lower the risk of dementia and other degenerative neurological disorders. Not only this, but a balanced diet can be as delicious as it is nutritious!

• Stay Physically Active

While it may not have always been the case, modern medicine increasingly sees the health of the body as inextricable from the health of the mind. Studies have shown an irrefutable link between getting enough exercise and mental health. This is why health bodies like the World Health Organization are now recommending 150 minutes a week exercise for people who fall into the 65+ age bracket.

• Memory Games

A key to mental agility in later life is paying attention to your memory. One of the best hacks to keep memory games fun is to play casino games at Casimba. Casino games require a high degree of memory capacity, quick thinking and fast reactions that can help you to stay on your toes in other areas of your life.

• Stay Intellectually Active

A wise man once said that the moment that you stop learning new things you start dying. While this may be taking the value of education a little too far, there is clear evidence to say that there is some essential truth behind the claim. Just look at the older people that you know whose mental abilities impress you for there age – do they read books, learn new skills and engage in courses? The answer is most likely to be a resounding ‘yes’.

• Socialize

Across multiple studies, one of that factors that has been proven to correlate strongly with ill physical and mental health in old age is loneliness. This is why it is so important to remain in contact with friends and family as you get older. Make an effort to organize regular social meetings and get-togethers to provide you with the necessary dose of human contact and mental stimulation.

We all have that older person in our lives whose mental faculties impress us more and more as they advance in age. If you would like to reach their age with your own mental powers still at their height, try to follow some of the tips mentioned above.