Staying mentally sharp as we age is a common goal, but what does it take to keep our cognitive abilities in tip-top shape as we move into our 70s and beyond?
According to psychology, it’s not just about doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku as it’s more about the habits we form, specifically our evening routines.
With that in mind, let’s dive into the seven evening habits of individuals who remain mentally agile well into their golden years.
This is the beginning of an enlightening journey, where we’ll uncover the secrets to maintaining a sharp mind as we age, so buckle up!
1) They embrace downtime
We often associate staying sharp with constantly being on the go.
According to Carl Jung, a renowned Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, “The pendulum of the mind oscillates between sense and nonsense, not between right and wrong.”
What does this mean, you ask?
In essence, it highlights the importance of balance.
The downtime, the moments of “nonsense”, are as crucial as the moments of logical thinking and problem-solving in contributing to our mental sharpness.
People who stay sharp into their 70s and beyond value this downtime.
They see it not as wasted time but as a necessary part of maintaining cognitive health.
These individuals may take a leisurely walk, meditate or simply sit quietly with a cup of tea in the evening.
It’s about giving their brains a chance to rest and recover from the day’s activities.
2) They make reading a ritual
I’ve always admired my Grandma’s sharpness.
Even in her 90s, her mind is as agile as ever—and one thing she always does, without fail, is read before bed.
It’s not just about passing the time for her, it’s a ritual.
She says it helps her relax and keeps her mind active. And, as it turns out, psychology backs this up.
Albert Einstein once said, “Reading, after a certain age, diverts the mind too much from its creative pursuits. Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking.”
Rather than discouraging reading, Einstein is highlighting the importance of active engagement with what we read.
This means not just consuming the words, but thinking about them, questioning them, making connections.
My Grandma does exactly this: She doesn’t just read; she ponders, she questions, she engages with the material.
With this, I believe it’s one of the main reasons she’s remained so sharp over the years.
3) They prioritize sleep
Are you getting enough sleep?
Let’s be honest, in our fast-paced world, sleep often takes a backseat.
We burn the midnight oil, push through the tiredness and wear our lack of sleep like a badge of honor.
But there’s no sugarcoating it: This is detrimental to our cognitive health.
Those who stay sharp into their 70s and beyond understand this as they prioritize sleep, knowing that it helps consolidate memory and keeps the brain functioning optimally.
It’s high time we stop glorifying lack of sleep and start treating it as the essential health component that it is.
When it comes to maintaining our cognitive functions, a good night’s sleep is non-negotiable.
4) They avoid screens before bed
In our digital age, it’s become all too common to wind down the day with some screen time.
However, those who stay sharp well into their later years know to avoid this habit.
Exposure to screens before bed significantly impacts sleep quality as the blue light emitted by our devices interferes with the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle.
This disruption not only leads to poorer sleep but also hampers our cognitive functions.
While it may be tempting to scroll through social media or watch your favorite show before turning in for the night, remember the potential costs.
Opt for a book or a quiet conversation instead, and give your brain the chance to power down naturally.
Resisting the allure of screens in the evening can make a significant difference in keeping your mind sharp as you age.
5) They practice gratitude
Growing up, my mother always encouraged us to end the day on a positive note by reflecting on what we were grateful for.
It seemed like a simple practice but it’s one that’s stayed with me and made a significant impact on my overall well-being—and here’s an interesting fact: This simple habit also has a strong psychological backing.
Arianna Huffington, co-founder of the HuffPost says, “Gratitude works its magic by serving as an antidote to negative emotions. It’s like white blood cells for the soul, protecting us from cynicism, entitlement, anger, and resignation.”
People who stay sharp into their later years often practice gratitude.
It helps them maintain a positive mindset and reduces stress—factors that contribute significantly to cognitive health.
Before you go to bed tonight, make sure to take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for.
6) They embrace solitude
In our hyper-connected world, solitude might seem like a luxury or even an inconvenience.
But, paradoxically, it’s in these quiet moments that we can truly sharpen our minds.
People who maintain their mental sharpness in their 70s and beyond often embrace periods of solitude in their evening routines.
This might involve a solitary walk, some quiet reading, or simply sitting alone with their thoughts.
Counterintuitive as it might seem, solitude allows for self-reflection and introspection, which are key for cognitive health.
Instead of fearing those moments of silence, embrace them!
7) They stay curious
Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it certainly revives the mind.
Those who stay mentally sharp into their 70s and beyond never let their curiosity wane.
They’re always eager to learn something new, to ask questions, to explore.
Keep that spark of curiosity alive as it’s a vital ingredient in the recipe for a sharp mind.
Final reflections
The journey of life is an intriguing dance between the mind and body, with our habits serving as the rhythm that guides us.
As we’ve explored, maintaining cognitive sharpness into our 70s and beyond is about embracing balance, prioritizing rest, nurturing positivity, and feeding our curiosity.
These evening routines are more than just habits; they are a testament to the power of mindfulness and intentionality in preserving our cognitive health.
As we step into the dusk of another day, let’s reflect on these practices.
Perhaps it’s time to redefine our own evening routines, incorporating these mindful habits that not only nourish our bodies but also keep our minds sharp.
After all, the key to a vibrant mind might just be tucked away in the tranquility of our evenings.
