- Biden’s suitability for president has been called into question after a special counsel report said his memory was “vague.”
- The 81-year-old has long faced criticism for his age and mental acuity.
- Here are five expert tips to help you stay sharp in your 80s and beyond.
The move came after a special counsel report compiled over a year into President Joe Biden’s handling of classified documents described the 81-year-old as an “old man with a poor memory.” His suitability as president is once again being called into question.
Despite his active lifestyle and reasonably cleanliness, health certificateBiden has long faced criticism over his age and judgment regarding his memory and mental acuity.
As the president’s cognitive abilities make headlines again, here are five tips from experts to keep your mind sharp for when you’re Biden’s age.
Live like you’re in the blue zone
Blue zones are home to some of the world’s oldest and healthiest people. In particular, the Greek island of Ikaria, located in the Aegean Sea, is known as an island of longevity, with residents routinely living well into their 90s, and the incidence of dementia and other chronic diseases is low.
Instead of serious workouts and diet supplements, residents of these Blue Zones take regular naps, socialize frequently, and do daily chores such as gardening or long walks instead of driving. We incorporate moderate activity throughout the day.
Manage your diet and exercise
Speaking of exercise, Business Insider previously reported that just one minute of squats can help keep your brain healthy and improve your focus and decision-making. Short periods of physical activity (some studies suggest as little as 11 minutes per day) can lead to improved blood flow to the brain, reducing the risk of premature death.
But diet is also important. One popular option, especially among Blue Zone residents, is the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting intake of meat, processed foods, and refined sugar.
Take probiotics with herbal tea
Recent research suggests that taking probiotic supplements can slow age-related cognitive decline and improve performance during times of stress in people of all ages.
Add to this the herbal teas commonly drunk by the inhabitants of Ikaria, and a daily dose of green tea, which strengthens working memory and attention and improves brain function, and you have a combination that can keep you sharp for decades. You cana 2019 survey The researchers concluded that compared to non-tea drinkers, tea drinkers had higher cognitive function and brain regions were better organized.
interact regularly
Brain health is not limited to the choices we make personally. According to experts, one of the key factors in keeping your mind healthy is making sure you’re getting plenty of social stimulation as well.
“In general, people with strong social networks tend to live longer,” Talia Lerner, assistant professor of neuroscience at Northwestern University, previously told BI. “Spending time with other people has a positive impact on your mental life and is good for your brain health.”
keep trying new things
Your task may not be to lead a country through a pandemic, an international war, or a devastating economic crisis; difficult puzzle It can be improved by trying things you haven’t tried before and meeting new people in different social situations. neuroplasticity And strengthen your brain.
“I think many of us fall into routines and habits where we repeat the same thing every day,” Jason Shepherd, an associate professor of neurobiology at the University of Utah, previously told BI. “But learning new things helps the brain with plasticity, so if you can continue to use your brain in new ways, you can have better mental outcomes as you age.”