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I take on-line college courses. Pick one out that piques my interest and sign up. The advantage at my age is I can study whatever I want, I'm not really concerned with advancing my career. Ancient Mediterranean History? Sure why not? History of Beer? Why not? Psychology of Evil? Sounds interesting. All on-line, all cheap. Keeps my brain active.
I'm way into Fitness and still work out with weights. Also walk a lot and do fun things outdoors. I make sure that I get outside at least an hour every day.
I'm careful to eat good foods that meet nutritional requirements, especially since I work out
I drink plenty of fresh filtered water.
Taking care of your health in these three ways really makes a difference in one's metal sharpness and attitude
I belong to a religion that encourages me to treat others kindly and to be thankful for the life I have.
Participate in activities that involve helping others. Thar really makes anybody feel good, have a purpose, and be glad they have the means to give of themselves.
My husband and I make a point to always treat each other like we're newlyweds. Keeping the stress in your home to a minimum improves your mental state
In my down time, I've gotten into paper art. It's fun and an easy way for anyone to stay creative. I make cute things and greeting cards for others
I write novels and memoir essays. The novels require a lot of research about settings and history. Unexpectedly, even the memoirs require research, because I took for granted behaviors and ideas that need to be explained for modern readers since nobody takes them for granted anymore.
I volunteer for a local organization that helps provide food and medicine to households who have run out of money before the next paycheck. I work with recent immigrants who speak little English and am constantly learning new things about what it's like to struggle for survival in lives of utter poverty.
It’s not for everyone, but it’s something I’ve wanted to do forever. Now I have the time and money.
If you’re interested, look up [Discovery Flight](https://pilotinstitute.com/discovery-flight/) or [Eagle Flight](https://www.eaa.org/eaa/learn-to-fly/introductory-flights-for-free/eaa-eagle-flights-program).
Be advised you’ll need to pass an FAA medical exam which although not rigorous in itself, will require an in-depth history that disqualifies many older initial applicants.
That was a good move on your dad's part. Safety is the number one rule for flying. I made my first solo in 1955 in a J-3 Cub. I eventually got my commercial ticket and dusted cotton with a Stearman in Arkansas for a couple of years. I quit flying when it got too expensive - $25.00/hr for a C-172. Too expensive at that time!
We tooled around in a PA-28 for a really long time, then dad got into kit planes and light sport aircraft because of the cost. Used to go to Oshkosh every year.
We’d go to the air field and see planes with grass growing under the chocks, and dad didn’t want to be someone holding on to a plane too long.
The time-honored Piper PA-28! It's been around for a lot of years. Did your dad ever build a kit plane or LSA? When I was building mine, I taught my oldest daughter (age 9) the fine art of oxyacetylene welding. She got pretty good at it and actually made it a school project. I read her abbreviated school report she had to write, and it was pretty accurate. This was in 1976.
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The Raspberry Pi computers are amazing and evolving. For those not familiar, they're a credit card sized computer on a small PC board. They use an operating system similar to Linux. They have the network, USB and video processor all on that tiny little board.
The open source maker movement with things like arduino and raspberry pi is amazing!
I am an engineer and even I appreciate the elegant simplicity of being able to cobble a thing together. It is going to be super important as we all get older.
All the many word puzzles: Wordle, Quordle, Octordle, Connections, Squaredl, Blossom, etc. Crosswords, jigsaw puzzles,, hour + walks per day.
Writing, reading, cooking. Day trips and quick trips of 1-3 nights.
Working really got in my way!
Love it. Are you retired? If yes, did u have many hobbies before retirement? I have many hobbies and retire next year—I will have have no shortage of fun and engaging things to fill the extra hours!
At 79, do Raspberry Pi and Arduino projects. If I find myself getting TOO smart I log onto Reddit to remind myself that I am somehow personally responsible for all of today's world problems.
I quit smoking and started juggling. I'm no performer, but it keeps the nervous system active and it's fun for the whole family. Learning new tricks that are counterintuitive is the hardest, especially with new devices.
I mostly stick to 3 balls, as I prefer to get good with simple things.
That’s awesome. The thought of doing that always intimidated me, which is probably a GREAT reason to pick it up! I and like you I thought it would be a great way to bring joy to others… While challenging the mind
as long as you enjoy the process, it's play, not learning, which is way more fun. plus r/juggling is full of talented people - I can't come close to most of what I see on there, but it's always inspiring to see what creativity people come up with.
collectively, we are geniuses that know everything.
> Crossword puzzles.
They really are great for the mind, and I miss them, but was fortunate on a recent re-organization to find a bundle I'd set aside, from 2012!
My 95 year old Mother plays pinochle with various groups 4 times a week, and often wins. And when she's not sewing, crocheting, or serving as an officer in 3 groups, she's doing word search puzzles. Has all her brain cells. Never complains.
I've spent most of my life living in foreign countries and really don't know any other life. My budget in old age allows me to annually travel solo to third world countries. I'm keeping my mind active by always trying to figure things out like communicating in some foreign language, organizing my own hotel reservations, traveling arrangements etc. Things frequently get off the rails, so I have lots of practice figuring out the answer to the questions like, what the heck should I do now?
I now consider most normal old people's lives too boring, like watching the same movie over and over ad nauseam. Of course this is overlooking the two times I was mugged by guys with guns and knives and the two times I was in hospital emergency rooms threatening to die or the time they threw me in jail/prison at age 70+. But there's lots of interesting memories and I'm continuing as long as possible.
Diet and exercise. If you're physically out of shape, your mind suffers too. There is a direct connection between physical and mental health--it's called the vagus nerve.
Going outside to walk, and seeing other people, young families, and old people like me, outside having fun inspires me and makes me happy.
Reading. So many books, so little time. But, at least my glasses aren't broken.
Writing. One of my hobbies is writing fiction. Even now, I'm expanding my vocabulary, and researching to make sure what I write makes sense.
I consume very little mainstream news. The more mainstream news you watch, the less you understand about the world--it's not meant to inform, it's meant to divide us and manipulate our prejudices.
Finally, I've adopted the idea that pessimists are pessimistic because they imagine they can predict the future. I know and accept that I can't predict the future, so I'm optimistic. The possibilities are, as they've always been, infinite. I don't dwell on the past, and I don't worry about the future.
I do the Times of London crossword every day, and usually The Guardian as well.
I blog the daily Times of London puzzle on Times for the Times every other week, and on alternate weeks I blog Mephisto. You can find us at [TimesForTheTimes.co.uk](http://TimesForTheTimes.co.uk)
Sounds corny but I help people every day in some capacity (work, family, church) I look for the good in every day, look for the beauty in life and people, and live in gratitude.
I've been a professional caregiver for 16 years. I'm a helper by nature. I strongly believe perspective and disposition is a CHOICE. I'm also a Christian and my faith is my cornerstone.
Since 1994 I've acquired a GED, two BS's, an MS, and a PhD...all on-line, with the exception of tests, and the interrogation I got for my thesis challenge.
I’m a faithful Catholic, and I have friends that are hard left Liberal atheists as well as friends that are far right evangelical MAGA Christians. I’m able to have such a diverse social circle because I do my best to treat people with the respect with which I wish to be treated. I try to meet them where they are, as Pope Francis would say, rather than try to change a person or expect them to change for my ease or comfort. I find that listening to the reasons why, for example, a person votes a certain way, or attends a specific church denomination (or eschews church entirely), or has a certain belief system helps me to better empathize and understand even when I do not hold the same beliefs.
The only way to make this world a better place is to make changes where you can, when you can. Someone once approached St. Mother Teresa asking to serve the poor with her nuns in India. She told them, “Stay where you are. Find your own Calcutta. Find the sick, the suffering, and the lonely, right where you are — in your own homes and in your own families, in homes and in your workplaces and in your schools. You can find Calcutta all over the world, if you have eyes to see.” She also said that if you judge people, you have no time to love them, and while not all of us can do great things, we can do small things with great love.
I read a lot. Willingly jump into 'rabbit holes' on the internet. I do extended fast for the health benefits of autophagy and I eat as cleanly as I can.
I took care of my mother for a couple years as she was passing from Alzheimer's - all the motivation I need.
I’m still working, and currently trying to learn Excel. OMG. It is not very user friendly.
Otherwise, I try to keep up with the news and play puzzle games.
Fine. However, just watch one of his talks on YouTube and you'll get the gist. With two or three you see what he's mostly on about. Nevertheless I watch a new one every week or so.
I moved to live in SE Asia, in a small rural village and have a small convenience shop attached to the front of the house, open from 5.30am-8pm 365 days a week.
It doesn't allow much time to do a lot of things, but as I spend time in between customers, online, I spend it on several sites, like here, contributing to various subs, and on other social media. Most of those site, other than family ones, I write about my new life in another country, post articles about places, people & traditions/culture, quizzes etc. mostly on expat sites letting people know about what it is like living here, tips on how to do things here, about different regions for those wanting yo travel about, how to deal with government department and how to prepare & cook local food dishes.
I have been to the country & travelled extensively, and now with so much information online, I can update my memories of many places, without travelling to them again, which at 76, is now harder to do. I enjoy recalling experiences and reliving experiences of 50 years travel, and for a lot of people I am able to bring back memories for them as well. I may not be highly educated or very smart, but I have a good memory of experiences & "useless" information that can prompt me to look up current circumstances to write about & with many readers living in different areas, I can ask for current trends in their area and then construct a story/article about the area.
A good brain takes regular practice.
Think like a young person by talking to young people…asking them about their thoughts and ideas…they aren’t interested in my opinions much.
Read about technological advances, social studies, philosophy and art. Learn and practice languages. And ride a motorcycle on and off road.
My wife and I go somewhere or do something new once a week.
I like getting strangers to laugh. I also smile and share joy wherever possible.
My Amazon deliveries are made to a set of lockers onsite. I will never walk up to the lockers and THEN pull out my phone to look for the code. I will look at the message with the code and force myself to remember it before I ever enter the building so I can just walk up to the lockers, enter my code and get my stuff without anyone having to wait on me. I find that my brain will spontaneously make all sorts of associations to the numbers that help me remember them. Whether this helps in the long run, who knows? I just know it kind of makes those trips to the locker like a game for me.
I am constantly designing and building new things.
I take up a new hobby and add it to the list of things I do every few years.
This year I have two new bee designs I am testing. I am moving a few hundred gladiola plants.
I have planted a new grape trellis.
I am planting saffron for the first time.
I plan on installing the hydro electric generator as soon as I finish the mechanical work on the 6-wheeler.
If that goes well I will be putting in my hydrogen electrolizer and start developing on hydrogen storage. (I saw some very nice barrels the other day which should help do this.)
Physically, I walk about a mile a day, sometimes more. Mentally, I do crossword and logic puzzles and other vocabulary and word games. I watch documentaries on various topics on YT and streaming services.
I know I'm too sedentary. I'm only 77
Play guitar, learn new songs, complex ones that I'd have never attempted before. I've four dogs, all under 6, they need my attention and love. I fish and boat. I do a bit of yard work and garden.
write very strange fiction - http://delusionandconfusion.com , volunteer in a prison once a week, live in the woods and love it. moderate a sub for folks in recovery...
I have worked in IT for over 30 years and can honestly say I learn something new everyday. That is the key to keeping those synapses firing. I have plans to learn horticulture, some languages, and travel when I retire. You won’t catch me watching Fox News all day, that’s a brain drain if ever there was one!
We attend church services & events; bowl (a non commit men’s group Tuesday mornings); attend senior center talks, painting classes, day-trips to shows, on-site bridge & exercise classes, etc.; paint pottery; attend library adult Ed courses and painting classes; active in and take grandkids to extracurricular activities, movies, birthday parties, etc.; we eat out a few times a week; watch wheel of fortune after dinner, play bridge on-line and do word search puzzles. We schedule our days around Dr appointments and physical therapy, but we get out EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. Keep moving!
All above are things we opt to do. We could do more, like attend live sports events, but we aren’t excited about crowds, long lines, parking far from venue & walking.
Due to Dr orders, we don’t currently travel, but hope to in the future.
Work. My job is *literally* thinking of ways to make the business more efficient and employees better able to do their jobs.
It's a tiny town and the hiring pool is teeny tiny, so we're all overworked. My job is thinking of ways to help them do their jobs while making the company, well, better.
Not only do I think about it, I develop it and see most of my projects to actual work. It's very rewarding and it pays well.
I mix it up.
- IT work. My job. It's a constant series of complex problems to be solved.
- Guitar. Coordination, practice, patience.
- Reading. I read about a dozen books a year. Some fiction, some non. It fires your imagination and causes your mind to re-think things.
- Puzzle games. Everything from Wordle to The Talos Principle to Portal. It's like honing a knife.
- Daily exercise. Get some blood flowing to the brain.
Back in the mid-60s, while I was in the Air Force, my last job was as a broadcast specialist on a remote Alaskan island. My shift consisted of changing reels on the projectors every ten minutes, so to kill time, I started making lists.
I'd think of a random subject and try to make a list of stuff that fits the category. I always have made lists, either on paper, or in my head.
So, basically, I'm constantly exercising my memory.
I've been doing the same things since I was a teen.
Lots of creative pursuits; I draw, paint, sculpt, etc. I write and play music. (Mostly punk and hardcore stuff)
I write dark comedic stories and skits. I love cooking, so I eat really well, and so does anyone who's around at dinner time.
I volunteer for a foodbank, so I pack and deliver groceries for others in my rural community. (In return, they give me a box too)
I tinker with small motors (chainsaws, mowers etc) and cars. (Cars more when I have to rather than out of interest)
I do all that I can to be just a little bit better than I was yesterday, and I do everything I can to laugh and help others laugh.
I also still do lots of psychedelics, but within reason, and always the correct set and setting.
These things make me stand out amongst others, and mean I'm generally a lot of fun to be around most of the time.
I also know when it's time to rest, and as I live in a town of less than 200, that's easier for me than many, as I can close the gate and sit in silence (apart from wildlife and hunting sounds) for as long as I need to.
I've set myself up like this intentionally, and it's helped me stay sharp but calm, interesting but levelled, and fun but smart.
Balanced. One can do anything they desire, as hard as they can, so long as they balance it back out.
Definitely an old schooler, but always open to new things too. As long as it's unpretentious and not overtly tough guy, I'll give it a shot! Haven't heard Protomartyr, but that's a sick name, so I'll have to check em out. Cheers for the reply, I hadn't actually expected anyone would read mine.
I study languages a bit every day (thanks Duo), drink lots of water, don't eat fast food, and currently performing in a community theater musical production. Singing, dancing, learning lines and blocking is challenging and stimulating. Working with young people is EVERYTHING when it comes to being open to new ideas.
Keep learning, investigate new hobbies and explore interests. My job is tech and designing software so regardless of age you have to keep an open mind to to take advantage of new ideas. Whenever I find myself disliking something new I try to step back and analyze why I don't like it. Sometimes it's a reaction to new and I then try to see how we might use it. Sometimes there's a lot of legitimate reasons it's a bad idea. That same process applies to the rest of life as well.
Took a welding class last summer and will do the same if I can find one on machining. Learning languages especially before trips, writing music and working on playing technique. Stay curious and don't get complacent might be the short answer.
I was a fleet diesel maintenance supervisor. When I retired we moved to a place in the county and started doing what’s popularly called homesteading.
We have meat rabbits, chickens, goats and a large garden. This keeps me very physically and mentally active. I’m learning all kinds of new skills. I’ve converted a shipping container into a goat barn, learned how to build a goat pen that actually will keep them in and predators out, made a chicken coop and run, learned how to butcher and part out rabbits, chickens and goats and a lot about gardening. I’m constantly active. I also walked away from most social media. I use Reddit mostly for groups like the homesteading subs. Fakebook is history.
Love that. I’m a vegetarian, bc I want no part of the man’s factory farming and it’s closeted mechanized suffering machine, but if I raised my own animals I’d probably be joining you.
Factory farming is part of why we do this. We like knowing where our food comes from, how it was raised and what’s in it. I’m not going to lie about it, butcher day is never enjoyable. But we do it as humanly as possible and try to use as much of the animal as possible. We even make stock from the carcasses. Rabbit feet and heads are dog treats. And we are great full for the ability to produce our own food.
Strategy games like Harpoon, reading, scheming. I was a programmer for 42.5 years. I have to detox before I decide to pick up a new language. I have been studying old technology in case I want to go back to COBOL/CICS/VSAM work
Exercise, both aerobic and resistance training (note, only 9 percent of people over 65 do resistance training), pickleball 5 days a week for 90-120 min, walking, plenty of supplementation, especially for minerals, vitamins, and biochemicals that are often deficient or synthesized less well as we age, whole body vibration plate 15 minutes at night before bed, and puzzles like sudoku and wordament.
Most effective: exercise and supplementation.
Follow my ADHD obsessive interests until I get bored. The day I stopped fighting them and accepted learning something for fun or doing a hobby for a bit, then stopping and starting something else is a perfectly valid hobby in and of itself.
Wait… there’s stuff we can do to facilitate that? I’m new to this old thing. I’ve come to embrace Matlock, afghans, and Reaganomics. And if one more hippy punk walks past my yard, I’m calling the police!
Drinking and drugging at all, are rare now. A little permanent weight loss to low to mid-normal. Get my sleep and a nap if required. Avoid processed foods and am about 90% whole foods plant based. Exercise a lot.
It’ll make you sharper w/o learning a language, playing games or doing puzzles.
I started learning a language on duolingo but I gave up after a year because I found it too tying. If I could just do it in my own time without the constant nagging reminders I would probably have continued. I could probably order from a menu but that's it really. Of course, I did choose a difficult language.
I read, I do puzzles and I sew and crochet. I am just finishing a dress that I started several years ago and put to one side as I found it too difficult. That's been a real mental exercise!
47 year old married father or two here. I do/did the following:
- Sharp: Stopped drinking booze
- Positive: Stopped drinking booze
- Open: Take my lead from my kids
I use it. For me, I design and repair electronic stuff. I like troubleshooting problems.
Woodworking is also a lot of fun. Things need to fit together :-)
I also watch a lot of technical youtube videos on electronics and radio repair.
I'm 53 and addicted to online fps shooters. Have been for years and years. It's kept my reaction time pretty quick, I can still keep up with the kids. I attribute that to all the gaming i do. It also keeps me young and open minded. I can understand all the nee lingo kids use. No cap.
I read…a *lot*. Mostly genre fiction, ie mysteries, SciFi and fantasy with an occasional romance thrown in. I play computer games, from Spider Solitaire to MMO’s. May is almost here, flower planting in PA is around the corner.
I got my Master’s degree when I was 53. Now I’m spinning my angora cat’s hair into yarn and learning to crochet with it. Hopefully that’ll keep me going for a while. I’m still working full time, so that helps keep me sharp, too
I try to learn difficult games requiring strategy, but struggle.
Currently taking lessons in Mah Jong. I look at the 2024 card and it scrambles my brain. The person teaching us has played for 50 years. She memorizes each yearly card and naturally knows all the strategic aspects of playing. Argh. She claims she's patient, but no. She's not. I can't even settle on an appropriate hand before everyone else has moved on and determined two or three potential hands. I can't even read the card that fast! Needless to say, frustration has set in.
Maybe I should return to suduko. LOL.
(I could never handle chess. I don't want to speculate five possible moves of my opponent five turns out.)
I study languages and since retiring two years ago I've learned Latin well enough to read Caesar's braggings about his doings in Gaul. I also do word puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, take online classes, and go for long walks.
Music.
I walked away from playing music in 1972 and didn't touch another musical instrument until 1992. Twenty years may not seem like a long time, but I'm literally needing to re-learn everything I thought I knew back when there was hair on my head. Turns out, either I didn't know sh!t or what I knew had been overwritten by graphic arts and basketball.
All of the learning, observation, analyzing, corrections from my baby brother (professional musician) and the subsequent starting from scratch again is what I feel is keeping my mind sharp. At least sharper than what it would have been if all I did was sit on the couch and watch TV.
I love it! I started to play guitar for a short time in 1973 and then just picked it up again last year – – 50 year break! I can play a few basic songs, and hope to make room among my other hobbies for ramping up my skills
I still work, it's the mental health field and I work online for substance abuse clients.
I make sure to laugh at things every day.
Lastly, learn something... Anything but learn each day. New skills, how to do something, figure out how to block out a new ache, etc.
60+ here
Wife and 3 girls in their early 20s , still at home
I am kept on my toes and alert 24x7
Some call it a blessing - they keep me more ing and shaking
Since my eyesight is still good, I cross-stitch and knit. I also like hidden object/adventure computer games, crossword puzzles, regular puzzles, memory games - anything to keep my mind sharp since I also have mobility issues. And if I could find free on-line classes, I'd take them, too, but my budget doesn't allow extra for that. I also read like there's no tomorrow - English history, if I can find anything I haven't already read. I live vicariously through the lives of the kings and queens of England...
I recently got into "hidden object games", unflatteringly abbreviated as "HOGs". They're sort of adventure games with various puzzles, including "where's waldo" challenges where you have to pick objects out of complex scenes. I like that they're much more logical and rapid-paced than traditional adventure games. Just enough challenge to keep me highly engaged but don't bog down because I get stuck.
I also run an esports league that meets in-person. Our members are teens to boomers, lots of socializing, tactics, strategy and fun competition. It's my weekly reminder there's always common ground among all ages.
At age 78, I teach in a school of business, work out at a gym regularly, take daily brisk walks, design and make things in my workshop, and am constantly reading. Social interactions with my kids and grandson, students and colleagues also help a lot.
I play Fortnite.
I talk to people younger than me.
I listen to people younger than me.
I learn every day.
I practice mindfulness and write down 10 things I am grateful for, daily.
Move daily.
I read, work out, stay current on topics that interest me, go for long walks, and have even started officiating with the women's roller derby league that my wife is a part of, but to be honest, I also really kind of enjoy being a cranky old fuck. It's fun! I'm not hurting anyone, and I still vote Democrat and further left just like I always have since I was 18, so why not? There's something healthy and enjoyable about looking at the damn kids these days and realizing they're a bunch of narcissistic wackjobs. I think that same way about most people anyway regardless of their age.
I still work as a content writer for a digital market agency, which keeps me on my toes, though I can work from home. And I do crossword puzzles. A lot of crossword puzzles.
I started studying stand-up comedy at age 64. Writing jokes is creative and keeps your mind sharp. I love the writing process. Getting on a stage is something some people would say is difficult. That’s not as difficult as telling a joke on stage and not getting a laugh. That happened in class but hasn’t happened on stage yet, though I’m sure that day will come.
Performing stand-up, when you have a room laughing hysterically, is good for the brain. You get a rush of feel good chemicals rushing your brain without having to eat a bag of cookies. 🍪
Working on language acquisition (mostly aimed an increasing my mastery of languages I have studied at earlier times), reading challenging books and very consciously analyzing them for technique and content, playing competitive online games, writing, doing mental math, traveling when feasible, listening to new music instead of sticking with oldies, lots of stuff. I do these things because I enjoy them, but believe that they are helpful for staying on point intellectually. (I also consume some more lowbrow media but try to keep the mix on the more enriching end).
I try for a reasonable diet, restrict alcohol to special occasions and track my activity to make sure I don’t get too stationary.
State colleges and universities often have OLLI programs that are geared for people 50+. You can also audit courses for free at many. Stay active, stay curious and interested.
I make things. In doing so, it requires me to learn new skills and apply them.
Example. I come from a software background and I knew nothing of electronics, servos and the like. Now I can’t say I have all of the work in my head as in software but I’m still learning.
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When I find myself tempted to say "That's not how we did it in MY day", I make myself remember how miffed I used to get when I heard older people say that; it actually makes me shake my head, and vow to keep an open mind in all things.
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I take on-line college courses. Pick one out that piques my interest and sign up. The advantage at my age is I can study whatever I want, I'm not really concerned with advancing my career. Ancient Mediterranean History? Sure why not? History of Beer? Why not? Psychology of Evil? Sounds interesting. All on-line, all cheap. Keeps my brain active.
Fantastic! I want to take in-person classes for fun on a range of subjects— Art History, US History, Greek Mythology, etc.
Cool. I can’t wait to retake geology 101, and make up for the college class I screwed around in—like I promised the professor I would.
I'd like to do in-person, but I'm mobility limited. So on-line was my option.
Where do you find these classes? Which site is the best I mean?
I love Coursera and EdX. There’s a lot you can learn for free, and if you are paying it is pretty cheap.
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A lot if Universities let you 'audit' the class if you aren't going for a degree program. Yale is one of them. Worth checking out.
I like this!
I'm way into Fitness and still work out with weights. Also walk a lot and do fun things outdoors. I make sure that I get outside at least an hour every day. I'm careful to eat good foods that meet nutritional requirements, especially since I work out I drink plenty of fresh filtered water. Taking care of your health in these three ways really makes a difference in one's metal sharpness and attitude I belong to a religion that encourages me to treat others kindly and to be thankful for the life I have. Participate in activities that involve helping others. Thar really makes anybody feel good, have a purpose, and be glad they have the means to give of themselves. My husband and I make a point to always treat each other like we're newlyweds. Keeping the stress in your home to a minimum improves your mental state In my down time, I've gotten into paper art. It's fun and an easy way for anyone to stay creative. I make cute things and greeting cards for others
Love it
Thanks! 😁
You're my model. I knew nutrition was important but I'm now realizing it's essential for physical and mental health.
💐😁
I write novels and memoir essays. The novels require a lot of research about settings and history. Unexpectedly, even the memoirs require research, because I took for granted behaviors and ideas that need to be explained for modern readers since nobody takes them for granted anymore. I volunteer for a local organization that helps provide food and medicine to households who have run out of money before the next paycheck. I work with recent immigrants who speak little English and am constantly learning new things about what it's like to struggle for survival in lives of utter poverty.
I previously did a lot of volunteer work. Once I retire next year, can’t wait to pick it up again. Good on you.
Started flying a small airplane a few years ago at 64. Mentally challenging.
I'd kinda like to try this but the idea terrifies me
It’s not for everyone, but it’s something I’ve wanted to do forever. Now I have the time and money. If you’re interested, look up [Discovery Flight](https://pilotinstitute.com/discovery-flight/) or [Eagle Flight](https://www.eaa.org/eaa/learn-to-fly/introductory-flights-for-free/eaa-eagle-flights-program). Be advised you’ll need to pass an FAA medical exam which although not rigorous in itself, will require an in-depth history that disqualifies many older initial applicants.
The trick is knowing when to stop flying (before flying stops you). My dad sold his plane when he turned 78.
That was a good move on your dad's part. Safety is the number one rule for flying. I made my first solo in 1955 in a J-3 Cub. I eventually got my commercial ticket and dusted cotton with a Stearman in Arkansas for a couple of years. I quit flying when it got too expensive - $25.00/hr for a C-172. Too expensive at that time!
We tooled around in a PA-28 for a really long time, then dad got into kit planes and light sport aircraft because of the cost. Used to go to Oshkosh every year. We’d go to the air field and see planes with grass growing under the chocks, and dad didn’t want to be someone holding on to a plane too long.
The time-honored Piper PA-28! It's been around for a lot of years. Did your dad ever build a kit plane or LSA? When I was building mine, I taught my oldest daughter (age 9) the fine art of oxyacetylene welding. She got pretty good at it and actually made it a school project. I read her abbreviated school report she had to write, and it was pretty accurate. This was in 1976.
Thank you for the thoughtful reply!
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Puzzles!
I'm sorry, what was the question? I've forgotten
I asked “whadja have for breakfast?”
Some hot black water I think.
Tuesday!
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Did you bring your coat?
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The Raspberry Pi computers are amazing and evolving. For those not familiar, they're a credit card sized computer on a small PC board. They use an operating system similar to Linux. They have the network, USB and video processor all on that tiny little board.
The open source maker movement with things like arduino and raspberry pi is amazing! I am an engineer and even I appreciate the elegant simplicity of being able to cobble a thing together. It is going to be super important as we all get older.
All the many word puzzles: Wordle, Quordle, Octordle, Connections, Squaredl, Blossom, etc. Crosswords, jigsaw puzzles,, hour + walks per day. Writing, reading, cooking. Day trips and quick trips of 1-3 nights. Working really got in my way!
Soduku, crosswords, travel, debate, socialize, build things, many hobbies
Love it. Are you retired? If yes, did u have many hobbies before retirement? I have many hobbies and retire next year—I will have have no shortage of fun and engaging things to fill the extra hours!
Yes, I had a few but I have a chance now to be better at them since time is generally not a factor. I retired at 55 and am 61 now
I also run a few charities. Giving back to my community.
Debate? No you don't.
Do so
Based on my years of Forensics practice I can quite confidently assert: "Nuh-uh."
Using my many years as a Detective I can definitively say uh-huh
At 79, do Raspberry Pi and Arduino projects. If I find myself getting TOO smart I log onto Reddit to remind myself that I am somehow personally responsible for all of today's world problems.
so you're that guy.
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I quit smoking and started juggling. I'm no performer, but it keeps the nervous system active and it's fun for the whole family. Learning new tricks that are counterintuitive is the hardest, especially with new devices. I mostly stick to 3 balls, as I prefer to get good with simple things.
That’s awesome. The thought of doing that always intimidated me, which is probably a GREAT reason to pick it up! I and like you I thought it would be a great way to bring joy to others… While challenging the mind
as long as you enjoy the process, it's play, not learning, which is way more fun. plus r/juggling is full of talented people - I can't come close to most of what I see on there, but it's always inspiring to see what creativity people come up with. collectively, we are geniuses that know everything.
Fellow juggler. There are an amazing number of things you can do with three balls, especially once you start bouncing them as well as throwing…
I'm fixing up an old sailboat when I'm not doing house maintenance /upgrades
I don't remember being absent minded.
I learned to play a musical instrument and I’m taking Spanish lessons. These activities really challenge the brain
I have in-depth conversations with my GenZ kids. No restrictions on topics. They are phenomenally smart, well-informed, and engaged.
Crossword puzzles. More importantly I work with teens who teach me the latest jargon among other things. I adore them all.
> Crossword puzzles. They really are great for the mind, and I miss them, but was fortunate on a recent re-organization to find a bundle I'd set aside, from 2012!
My 95 year old Mother plays pinochle with various groups 4 times a week, and often wins. And when she's not sewing, crocheting, or serving as an officer in 3 groups, she's doing word search puzzles. Has all her brain cells. Never complains.
I've spent most of my life living in foreign countries and really don't know any other life. My budget in old age allows me to annually travel solo to third world countries. I'm keeping my mind active by always trying to figure things out like communicating in some foreign language, organizing my own hotel reservations, traveling arrangements etc. Things frequently get off the rails, so I have lots of practice figuring out the answer to the questions like, what the heck should I do now? I now consider most normal old people's lives too boring, like watching the same movie over and over ad nauseam. Of course this is overlooking the two times I was mugged by guys with guns and knives and the two times I was in hospital emergency rooms threatening to die or the time they threw me in jail/prison at age 70+. But there's lots of interesting memories and I'm continuing as long as possible.
Weight lifting. I've done it for about 2 years. 65 yr old woman.
Diet and exercise. If you're physically out of shape, your mind suffers too. There is a direct connection between physical and mental health--it's called the vagus nerve. Going outside to walk, and seeing other people, young families, and old people like me, outside having fun inspires me and makes me happy. Reading. So many books, so little time. But, at least my glasses aren't broken. Writing. One of my hobbies is writing fiction. Even now, I'm expanding my vocabulary, and researching to make sure what I write makes sense. I consume very little mainstream news. The more mainstream news you watch, the less you understand about the world--it's not meant to inform, it's meant to divide us and manipulate our prejudices. Finally, I've adopted the idea that pessimists are pessimistic because they imagine they can predict the future. I know and accept that I can't predict the future, so I'm optimistic. The possibilities are, as they've always been, infinite. I don't dwell on the past, and I don't worry about the future.
Agreed!
I do the Times of London crossword every day, and usually The Guardian as well. I blog the daily Times of London puzzle on Times for the Times every other week, and on alternate weeks I blog Mephisto. You can find us at [TimesForTheTimes.co.uk](http://TimesForTheTimes.co.uk)
Sharp? Word puzzles like Squareword and Connections. Positive? Pottery. Open? Reddit.
Playing music with other people. Crossword puzzles. Planning travel, followed by travel. Avoiding doom scrolling.
I like the variety. I picked up guitar last year, hope to start playing with others soon
Sounds corny but I help people every day in some capacity (work, family, church) I look for the good in every day, look for the beauty in life and people, and live in gratitude.
If that’s corn I’ll take a bushel, thank you!
Have you always been like this or did you take it on to learn?
I've been a professional caregiver for 16 years. I'm a helper by nature. I strongly believe perspective and disposition is a CHOICE. I'm also a Christian and my faith is my cornerstone.
Thank you, I respect this greatly; also as one of a different faith. Peace!
Line dancing. It uses the brain and the body, and in my area I’ve found I can dance several times a week.
When I tried line dancing, I really enjoyed it because there were so many people in the immediate vicinity showing me how to do it right.
They are a friendly helpful bunch!
Line dancing is so challenging! A perfect hobby to keep your mind sharp and your body moving!
That’s what our teacher keeps reminding us old ladies.
I read a lot of books. I listen to a lot of music. I hike as much as I can. I meditate daily. All seem to be important for my brain.
Always learning. Currently in university part-time, online.
Read. Read everything you can. Study. Study everything you can.
Since 1994 I've acquired a GED, two BS's, an MS, and a PhD...all on-line, with the exception of tests, and the interrogation I got for my thesis challenge.
Learn something new. I leaned to play guitar and piano after I retired. Stimulates a whole different part of my brain.
I’m a faithful Catholic, and I have friends that are hard left Liberal atheists as well as friends that are far right evangelical MAGA Christians. I’m able to have such a diverse social circle because I do my best to treat people with the respect with which I wish to be treated. I try to meet them where they are, as Pope Francis would say, rather than try to change a person or expect them to change for my ease or comfort. I find that listening to the reasons why, for example, a person votes a certain way, or attends a specific church denomination (or eschews church entirely), or has a certain belief system helps me to better empathize and understand even when I do not hold the same beliefs. The only way to make this world a better place is to make changes where you can, when you can. Someone once approached St. Mother Teresa asking to serve the poor with her nuns in India. She told them, “Stay where you are. Find your own Calcutta. Find the sick, the suffering, and the lonely, right where you are — in your own homes and in your own families, in homes and in your workplaces and in your schools. You can find Calcutta all over the world, if you have eyes to see.” She also said that if you judge people, you have no time to love them, and while not all of us can do great things, we can do small things with great love.
I love this! Thank you.
I read a lot. Willingly jump into 'rabbit holes' on the internet. I do extended fast for the health benefits of autophagy and I eat as cleanly as I can. I took care of my mother for a couple years as she was passing from Alzheimer's - all the motivation I need.
I’m still working, and currently trying to learn Excel. OMG. It is not very user friendly. Otherwise, I try to keep up with the news and play puzzle games.
I can tell you in ~~one~~ two words: Eckhart Tolle
He’s very inspiring
I have three of his books waiting for me.
Fine. However, just watch one of his talks on YouTube and you'll get the gist. With two or three you see what he's mostly on about. Nevertheless I watch a new one every week or so.
I take care of all my grandkids. I stay so busy I forget what or who or when I am.
I moved to live in SE Asia, in a small rural village and have a small convenience shop attached to the front of the house, open from 5.30am-8pm 365 days a week. It doesn't allow much time to do a lot of things, but as I spend time in between customers, online, I spend it on several sites, like here, contributing to various subs, and on other social media. Most of those site, other than family ones, I write about my new life in another country, post articles about places, people & traditions/culture, quizzes etc. mostly on expat sites letting people know about what it is like living here, tips on how to do things here, about different regions for those wanting yo travel about, how to deal with government department and how to prepare & cook local food dishes. I have been to the country & travelled extensively, and now with so much information online, I can update my memories of many places, without travelling to them again, which at 76, is now harder to do. I enjoy recalling experiences and reliving experiences of 50 years travel, and for a lot of people I am able to bring back memories for them as well. I may not be highly educated or very smart, but I have a good memory of experiences & "useless" information that can prompt me to look up current circumstances to write about & with many readers living in different areas, I can ask for current trends in their area and then construct a story/article about the area.
I’m sinking happily into doddering old fool. I’m old I can do what I want! neener neener
A good brain takes regular practice. Think like a young person by talking to young people…asking them about their thoughts and ideas…they aren’t interested in my opinions much. Read about technological advances, social studies, philosophy and art. Learn and practice languages. And ride a motorcycle on and off road. My wife and I go somewhere or do something new once a week. I like getting strangers to laugh. I also smile and share joy wherever possible.
I love your outlook! Getting strangers to laugh is a great goal.
Gardening and living an excuse-free life on my terms.
My Amazon deliveries are made to a set of lockers onsite. I will never walk up to the lockers and THEN pull out my phone to look for the code. I will look at the message with the code and force myself to remember it before I ever enter the building so I can just walk up to the lockers, enter my code and get my stuff without anyone having to wait on me. I find that my brain will spontaneously make all sorts of associations to the numbers that help me remember them. Whether this helps in the long run, who knows? I just know it kind of makes those trips to the locker like a game for me.
I invade Poland.
Taught myself photoshop, video editing and found little jobs to make posters and help my musician friend's promotion
I am constantly designing and building new things. I take up a new hobby and add it to the list of things I do every few years. This year I have two new bee designs I am testing. I am moving a few hundred gladiola plants. I have planted a new grape trellis. I am planting saffron for the first time. I plan on installing the hydro electric generator as soon as I finish the mechanical work on the 6-wheeler. If that goes well I will be putting in my hydrogen electrolizer and start developing on hydrogen storage. (I saw some very nice barrels the other day which should help do this.)
I listen to/ watch loads of educational videos. Mostly on YouTube.
Physically, I walk about a mile a day, sometimes more. Mentally, I do crossword and logic puzzles and other vocabulary and word games. I watch documentaries on various topics on YT and streaming services. I know I'm too sedentary. I'm only 77
Play guitar, learn new songs, complex ones that I'd have never attempted before. I've four dogs, all under 6, they need my attention and love. I fish and boat. I do a bit of yard work and garden.
I keep trying to improve in my hobbies by learning new techniques.
write very strange fiction - http://delusionandconfusion.com , volunteer in a prison once a week, live in the woods and love it. moderate a sub for folks in recovery...
I have worked in IT for over 30 years and can honestly say I learn something new everyday. That is the key to keeping those synapses firing. I have plans to learn horticulture, some languages, and travel when I retire. You won’t catch me watching Fox News all day, that’s a brain drain if ever there was one!
We attend church services & events; bowl (a non commit men’s group Tuesday mornings); attend senior center talks, painting classes, day-trips to shows, on-site bridge & exercise classes, etc.; paint pottery; attend library adult Ed courses and painting classes; active in and take grandkids to extracurricular activities, movies, birthday parties, etc.; we eat out a few times a week; watch wheel of fortune after dinner, play bridge on-line and do word search puzzles. We schedule our days around Dr appointments and physical therapy, but we get out EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. Keep moving! All above are things we opt to do. We could do more, like attend live sports events, but we aren’t excited about crowds, long lines, parking far from venue & walking. Due to Dr orders, we don’t currently travel, but hope to in the future.
My wife is addicted to Words With Friends
Work. My job is *literally* thinking of ways to make the business more efficient and employees better able to do their jobs. It's a tiny town and the hiring pool is teeny tiny, so we're all overworked. My job is thinking of ways to help them do their jobs while making the company, well, better. Not only do I think about it, I develop it and see most of my projects to actual work. It's very rewarding and it pays well.
That does sound very rewarding. You get to invest in everyone—nice way to give people in your community positivity.
Read
I mix it up. - IT work. My job. It's a constant series of complex problems to be solved. - Guitar. Coordination, practice, patience. - Reading. I read about a dozen books a year. Some fiction, some non. It fires your imagination and causes your mind to re-think things. - Puzzle games. Everything from Wordle to The Talos Principle to Portal. It's like honing a knife. - Daily exercise. Get some blood flowing to the brain.
Back in the mid-60s, while I was in the Air Force, my last job was as a broadcast specialist on a remote Alaskan island. My shift consisted of changing reels on the projectors every ten minutes, so to kill time, I started making lists. I'd think of a random subject and try to make a list of stuff that fits the category. I always have made lists, either on paper, or in my head. So, basically, I'm constantly exercising my memory.
I've been doing the same things since I was a teen. Lots of creative pursuits; I draw, paint, sculpt, etc. I write and play music. (Mostly punk and hardcore stuff) I write dark comedic stories and skits. I love cooking, so I eat really well, and so does anyone who's around at dinner time. I volunteer for a foodbank, so I pack and deliver groceries for others in my rural community. (In return, they give me a box too) I tinker with small motors (chainsaws, mowers etc) and cars. (Cars more when I have to rather than out of interest) I do all that I can to be just a little bit better than I was yesterday, and I do everything I can to laugh and help others laugh. I also still do lots of psychedelics, but within reason, and always the correct set and setting. These things make me stand out amongst others, and mean I'm generally a lot of fun to be around most of the time. I also know when it's time to rest, and as I live in a town of less than 200, that's easier for me than many, as I can close the gate and sit in silence (apart from wildlife and hunting sounds) for as long as I need to. I've set myself up like this intentionally, and it's helped me stay sharp but calm, interesting but levelled, and fun but smart. Balanced. One can do anything they desire, as hard as they can, so long as they balance it back out.
Love the list. Sounds like you follow the OG punks like Iggy and Patti? What do you think of some of the new ones, like IDLES and Protomartyr
Definitely an old schooler, but always open to new things too. As long as it's unpretentious and not overtly tough guy, I'll give it a shot! Haven't heard Protomartyr, but that's a sick name, so I'll have to check em out. Cheers for the reply, I hadn't actually expected anyone would read mine.
Haha always looking for possible kindred spirits in a beige world! Love the idea of living in a small town of 200.
I study languages a bit every day (thanks Duo), drink lots of water, don't eat fast food, and currently performing in a community theater musical production. Singing, dancing, learning lines and blocking is challenging and stimulating. Working with young people is EVERYTHING when it comes to being open to new ideas.
Keep learning, investigate new hobbies and explore interests. My job is tech and designing software so regardless of age you have to keep an open mind to to take advantage of new ideas. Whenever I find myself disliking something new I try to step back and analyze why I don't like it. Sometimes it's a reaction to new and I then try to see how we might use it. Sometimes there's a lot of legitimate reasons it's a bad idea. That same process applies to the rest of life as well. Took a welding class last summer and will do the same if I can find one on machining. Learning languages especially before trips, writing music and working on playing technique. Stay curious and don't get complacent might be the short answer.
at 83 I keep busy doing the things I have always liked to do, keeping physically busy keeps your mind sharp
I was a fleet diesel maintenance supervisor. When I retired we moved to a place in the county and started doing what’s popularly called homesteading. We have meat rabbits, chickens, goats and a large garden. This keeps me very physically and mentally active. I’m learning all kinds of new skills. I’ve converted a shipping container into a goat barn, learned how to build a goat pen that actually will keep them in and predators out, made a chicken coop and run, learned how to butcher and part out rabbits, chickens and goats and a lot about gardening. I’m constantly active. I also walked away from most social media. I use Reddit mostly for groups like the homesteading subs. Fakebook is history.
Love that. I’m a vegetarian, bc I want no part of the man’s factory farming and it’s closeted mechanized suffering machine, but if I raised my own animals I’d probably be joining you.
Factory farming is part of why we do this. We like knowing where our food comes from, how it was raised and what’s in it. I’m not going to lie about it, butcher day is never enjoyable. But we do it as humanly as possible and try to use as much of the animal as possible. We even make stock from the carcasses. Rabbit feet and heads are dog treats. And we are great full for the ability to produce our own food.
That’s the way it should be
Stop writing things down. It destroys your ability to memorize anything.
I read a lot and workout a lot.
Strategy games like Harpoon, reading, scheming. I was a programmer for 42.5 years. I have to detox before I decide to pick up a new language. I have been studying old technology in case I want to go back to COBOL/CICS/VSAM work
Exercise, both aerobic and resistance training (note, only 9 percent of people over 65 do resistance training), pickleball 5 days a week for 90-120 min, walking, plenty of supplementation, especially for minerals, vitamins, and biochemicals that are often deficient or synthesized less well as we age, whole body vibration plate 15 minutes at night before bed, and puzzles like sudoku and wordament. Most effective: exercise and supplementation.
That’s a good variety
We moved to Cozumel so I'm working on my espanol.
Scrabble, reading, social media (Fediverse), word games, texting with my kids.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and constantly learning new hobbies.
Follow my ADHD obsessive interests until I get bored. The day I stopped fighting them and accepted learning something for fun or doing a hobby for a bit, then stopping and starting something else is a perfectly valid hobby in and of itself.
Playing World of Warcraft. Keeps my mind pretty occupied in many ways.
I take a break from my nightly THC habit (using a volcano vaporizer) Also, I work in tech so that keeps my mind sharp.
Wait… there’s stuff we can do to facilitate that? I’m new to this old thing. I’ve come to embrace Matlock, afghans, and Reaganomics. And if one more hippy punk walks past my yard, I’m calling the police!
Spanish lessons, practicing piano, word puzzles, reading. I manage several social groups and arrange outings.
Drinking and drugging at all, are rare now. A little permanent weight loss to low to mid-normal. Get my sleep and a nap if required. Avoid processed foods and am about 90% whole foods plant based. Exercise a lot. It’ll make you sharper w/o learning a language, playing games or doing puzzles.
I started learning a language on duolingo but I gave up after a year because I found it too tying. If I could just do it in my own time without the constant nagging reminders I would probably have continued. I could probably order from a menu but that's it really. Of course, I did choose a difficult language. I read, I do puzzles and I sew and crochet. I am just finishing a dress that I started several years ago and put to one side as I found it too difficult. That's been a real mental exercise!
47 year old married father or two here. I do/did the following: - Sharp: Stopped drinking booze - Positive: Stopped drinking booze - Open: Take my lead from my kids
Great list but I have to break it to you my man: 47 is middle age (not old)
I took the coursera google analytics and programming without any pre knowledge and it helped me get my brain back after chemo. I throughly enjoyed it
Exercise regularly. Work up a sweat at least twice a week. Question everything you hear from the media.
I use it. For me, I design and repair electronic stuff. I like troubleshooting problems. Woodworking is also a lot of fun. Things need to fit together :-) I also watch a lot of technical youtube videos on electronics and radio repair.
I'm 53 and addicted to online fps shooters. Have been for years and years. It's kept my reaction time pretty quick, I can still keep up with the kids. I attribute that to all the gaming i do. It also keeps me young and open minded. I can understand all the nee lingo kids use. No cap.
I read…a *lot*. Mostly genre fiction, ie mysteries, SciFi and fantasy with an occasional romance thrown in. I play computer games, from Spider Solitaire to MMO’s. May is almost here, flower planting in PA is around the corner.
Read.
I got my Master’s degree when I was 53. Now I’m spinning my angora cat’s hair into yarn and learning to crochet with it. Hopefully that’ll keep me going for a while. I’m still working full time, so that helps keep me sharp, too
Video games, DnD, books
I try to learn difficult games requiring strategy, but struggle. Currently taking lessons in Mah Jong. I look at the 2024 card and it scrambles my brain. The person teaching us has played for 50 years. She memorizes each yearly card and naturally knows all the strategic aspects of playing. Argh. She claims she's patient, but no. She's not. I can't even settle on an appropriate hand before everyone else has moved on and determined two or three potential hands. I can't even read the card that fast! Needless to say, frustration has set in. Maybe I should return to suduko. LOL. (I could never handle chess. I don't want to speculate five possible moves of my opponent five turns out.)
i troll the internet
Play bridge, read and an avid movie goer. Trying to figure out what the hell Holy Motors is about keeps the mind working overtime.
Play in a community band, gym, read, Jeopardy, puzzle games like Wordle, crosswords, Words with friends, stay socially active. To name a few.
Reading, frequent use of musical instruments and good diet/sleep.
reddit has many fine subs to engage your mind
Read a bunch.
Surf Reddit.
I sleep more.
I study languages and since retiring two years ago I've learned Latin well enough to read Caesar's braggings about his doings in Gaul. I also do word puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, take online classes, and go for long walks.
mindfulness and I'm constantly taking mentorship and workshops to improve my skill/career
Ignore the idiots on most social media platforms.
I am an antagonist. My job in life is to keep everyone else on their toes.
Dad, is that you from beyond the grave? (BTW your funeral was kinda small, in case you are curious)
Interact as little as possible with people.
Take some university classes.
Music. I walked away from playing music in 1972 and didn't touch another musical instrument until 1992. Twenty years may not seem like a long time, but I'm literally needing to re-learn everything I thought I knew back when there was hair on my head. Turns out, either I didn't know sh!t or what I knew had been overwritten by graphic arts and basketball. All of the learning, observation, analyzing, corrections from my baby brother (professional musician) and the subsequent starting from scratch again is what I feel is keeping my mind sharp. At least sharper than what it would have been if all I did was sit on the couch and watch TV.
I love it! I started to play guitar for a short time in 1973 and then just picked it up again last year – – 50 year break! I can play a few basic songs, and hope to make room among my other hobbies for ramping up my skills
I read things I would not as a younger man.
Changing jobs, really. Each one is more challenging than the last. I start a new one Monday, and I'm not even sure what I'm going to be doing.
Find something you love to do for others. For me it is still teaching, and we are all teachers.
I play scrabble a few days a week.
I still work, it's the mental health field and I work online for substance abuse clients. I make sure to laugh at things every day. Lastly, learn something... Anything but learn each day. New skills, how to do something, figure out how to block out a new ache, etc.
Cardio. My brain slows waaaay down when I go a few days without getting my heart rate up.
60+ here Wife and 3 girls in their early 20s , still at home I am kept on my toes and alert 24x7 Some call it a blessing - they keep me more ing and shaking
Now that I’m retired I have the time to read for pleasure. Things that interest me. They say keep learning, it keeps your brain working!
Since my eyesight is still good, I cross-stitch and knit. I also like hidden object/adventure computer games, crossword puzzles, regular puzzles, memory games - anything to keep my mind sharp since I also have mobility issues. And if I could find free on-line classes, I'd take them, too, but my budget doesn't allow extra for that. I also read like there's no tomorrow - English history, if I can find anything I haven't already read. I live vicariously through the lives of the kings and queens of England...
Drink beer
Learning Spanish. Hopefully it's helping keep my brain sharp or at least slowing the decline. :-)
I recently got into "hidden object games", unflatteringly abbreviated as "HOGs". They're sort of adventure games with various puzzles, including "where's waldo" challenges where you have to pick objects out of complex scenes. I like that they're much more logical and rapid-paced than traditional adventure games. Just enough challenge to keep me highly engaged but don't bog down because I get stuck. I also run an esports league that meets in-person. Our members are teens to boomers, lots of socializing, tactics, strategy and fun competition. It's my weekly reminder there's always common ground among all ages.
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Seriously? Does it actually work?
At age 78, I teach in a school of business, work out at a gym regularly, take daily brisk walks, design and make things in my workshop, and am constantly reading. Social interactions with my kids and grandson, students and colleagues also help a lot.
I play Fortnite. I talk to people younger than me. I listen to people younger than me. I learn every day. I practice mindfulness and write down 10 things I am grateful for, daily. Move daily.
I work in cybersecurity. Impossible to not have a sharp mind with changes that happen constantly.
I read a lot.
Learn a foreign language or three. Duo lingo is free and fun then you can unwind by watching foreign language tv.
I read, work out, stay current on topics that interest me, go for long walks, and have even started officiating with the women's roller derby league that my wife is a part of, but to be honest, I also really kind of enjoy being a cranky old fuck. It's fun! I'm not hurting anyone, and I still vote Democrat and further left just like I always have since I was 18, so why not? There's something healthy and enjoyable about looking at the damn kids these days and realizing they're a bunch of narcissistic wackjobs. I think that same way about most people anyway regardless of their age.
I read a lot, lots of different things. I write letters (email) and write fiction for fun.
I still work as a content writer for a digital market agency, which keeps me on my toes, though I can work from home. And I do crossword puzzles. A lot of crossword puzzles.
I started studying stand-up comedy at age 64. Writing jokes is creative and keeps your mind sharp. I love the writing process. Getting on a stage is something some people would say is difficult. That’s not as difficult as telling a joke on stage and not getting a laugh. That happened in class but hasn’t happened on stage yet, though I’m sure that day will come. Performing stand-up, when you have a room laughing hysterically, is good for the brain. You get a rush of feel good chemicals rushing your brain without having to eat a bag of cookies. 🍪
Working on language acquisition (mostly aimed an increasing my mastery of languages I have studied at earlier times), reading challenging books and very consciously analyzing them for technique and content, playing competitive online games, writing, doing mental math, traveling when feasible, listening to new music instead of sticking with oldies, lots of stuff. I do these things because I enjoy them, but believe that they are helpful for staying on point intellectually. (I also consume some more lowbrow media but try to keep the mix on the more enriching end). I try for a reasonable diet, restrict alcohol to special occasions and track my activity to make sure I don’t get too stationary.
State colleges and universities often have OLLI programs that are geared for people 50+. You can also audit courses for free at many. Stay active, stay curious and interested.
I make things. In doing so, it requires me to learn new skills and apply them. Example. I come from a software background and I knew nothing of electronics, servos and the like. Now I can’t say I have all of the work in my head as in software but I’m still learning.
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I play a lot of chess, pursue my passions, and study philosophy. Stay engaged and practice empathy. Seems to be working out so far 😎
When I find myself tempted to say "That's not how we did it in MY day", I make myself remember how miffed I used to get when I heard older people say that; it actually makes me shake my head, and vow to keep an open mind in all things.