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Keeping your brain healthy

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Exercising your mind and your body can keep your brain healthier as you grow older.

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(CNN) -- One way to solve some of the "mysteries of the mind" is to keep your mind active as you get older.

Here are some tips offered by The Alzheimer's Associationexternal link that could help keep your brain healthier as you age.

Keep your brain active every day:

  • Stay curious and involved, commit to lifelong learning.

  • Read, write, and do crossword puzzles.

  • Attend lectures and plays, or take courses at local colleges or community centers.

    • Be social:

  • Stay active in the workplace.

  • Join social groups like bridge clubs or square dancing.

  • Travel.

    • Eat smart:

  • Certain foods like kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, corn, and eggplant are high in antioxidants and can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

  • Cold water fish like halibut, mackerel, salmon, trout, and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

  • Almonds, pecans, and walnuts are a good source of Vitamin E, an antioxidant.

    • Stay in shape:

  • Physical exercise maintains good blood flow to the brain and reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes, which are risk factors for Alzheimer's.

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