Easy ways power up your brain

Sometimes we forget to think about our brain, but our brain needs to be taken care of too. Regular exercise and proper nutrition are two important ways to keep your body and brain moving. Here are several more ways to keep your mind in tip top shape:

1. Snacks count for your brain too. Munch on almonds and blueberries instead of candy. Research shows that blueberries may sharpen your thought process. Sprinkle the blue fruit on your cereal or add them to your yogurt. In the winter, frozen blueberries are just as tasty and nutritious.

2. Pull out a puzzle. Studies show that flexing your puzzle skills for just an hour a day can increase your mental ability of a person ten years younger. Work puzzles while waiting in a long line or at the doctor's office. Check the bookstore for a variety of crosswords, word searches, brainteasers and more. Find free puzzles in newspapers or go online.

3. Sit quietly and meditate. Fifteen minutes is all it takes. Close your eyes and think about rolling water, soft music or birds chirping. Studies show that those who meditate perform better than their non-meditating counterparts.

4. Stay socially active. Participate in activities with family, friends and community groups.

5. Get enough sleep. Older adults still need the recommended 7 or 8 hours of sleep each night to feel fully alert during the day.