Do You Want to Vary Your Memory Fitness Routine?

Try a new brain game and improve your mind.

Most of you probably like the familiarity and satisfaction of your current brain game fitness routine. People will often share with me the types of activities they have done for decades or on a regular basis every day. One of the best things you can do is to keep your mind open to new possibilities. When it is suggested that they consider branching out into something else, I often hear some reluctance.

Create a New Brain Enhancement Activity

It is likely that my fascination with word games began by playing Scrabble in grade school with my mom. Not only am I a speech-language pathologist, but I have created several puzzle and brain teaser products which were designed to be used in therapy for those experiencing language and cognitive deficits. These have also become a bridge for many to try some new word games.

To get started on something new, consider taking a look at the answers and come back to the puzzle or word game later. Over a period of time it is likely you will begin the learning process if it is something that appeals to your interest for a new challenge. Remember it is not about having to be totally correct. It is about expanding your options over a period of time.

Activities to Improve Your Mind

Try to be open to looking at some word games or puzzles you have not done before. Perhaps you have never done a word search or crossword puzzle before. Do it with another person. Have some fun and be open to the possibilities. If the puzzles are easy for you, upgrade the activity by using your other hand to fill in the information. Here are some sample reminiscence puzzles to try:

• Fill-in
• Word Searches
• Crossword Puzzles
• Brain Teasers

Kathryn Kilpatrick offers suggestions for lifelong learning and successful aging. As a speech-language pathologist with over four decades of experience working with older adults, Kathryn Kilpatrick specializes in working with older adults and their families facing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Kathryn Kilpatrick received her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and has worked in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and for decades in the area of home health care. Kathryn is president of Memory Fitness Matters and Communication Connection. She offers memory coaching for all ages and has a geriatric consulting practice. She is a national motivational speaker and author of more than 30 products to enhance communication and connection as well as a Memory Fitness Toolkit. Kathryn brings her decades of experience as a speech-language pathologist to all those wanting to enhance their quality of life, particularly when there are communication, memory and cognitive challenges.