Having watched my four children grow up playing computer games, I never expected that one day I’d suggest playing one as a great way of reducing your brain age – but I’m hooked!

Use it or lose it 
Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to reorganise neural pathways based on new experiences. Much of the brain can bounce back from disaster and function again. But we need to train it to stay healthy. Here are my top suggestions for training your brain.

Play computer games
You might not think playing computer games is your thing but new research could change your mind – in more ways than one. Rapidly solving simple mathematical equations is the basis of training and developing new connections within our grey matter. Enter the Brain Training game, by Professor Kawashima, who found the way we think and the speed with which we act on those thoughts can train the brain. With this in mind, his game has been designed to help decrease your brain age as you progress through the training sections. Best of all, it’s fun!

Never stop learning
The brain continues to grow even in old age. Whether brain exercise comes from playing a computer game, learning a new skill or doing Sudoku, the workout increases the electrical connections between cells, improves creativity, memory and the ability to communicate, says Dr Lorna Layward, a researcher into ageing from the UK.

Don’t be a multi-tasker
Can you answer the phone, cook dinner and help with homework? Women are particularly good at multi-tasking but studies have found it may be bad for our health, causing stress and insomnia, and even short-term memory loss. Instead, focus on one task at a time, and break up big projects into smaller tasks.

Shift focus
If you’re preoccupied by the bad news in the world, turn off the TV and focus on the good stuff. The neuroplasticity experts say that constant negative thoughts due to distressing news will dampen the way you think. Instead, think and feel positive.

Move your body
There is strong evidence suggesting that 30 to 45 minutes of exercise a day will keep the blood flowing smoothly, and provide oxygen and nutrition to every organ including the brain. Movement also releases the mood-stimulating hormone serotonin, which shuffles the memory cards in place.

Make a date
Staying connected is vital as you age. It doesn’t matter if you’re a member of a church or a bowling club or if you play bridge; any social action is positive and will increase your brain connections. Reading a newspaper each day and learning new computer skills are also effective. You can do this at TAFE, some RSL clubs or by joining the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association. Call (02) 9286 3871 or visit www.ascca.org.au.

Brain food
Jump-start your brain with breakfast first thing in the morning. If you skip this meal you’ll risk feeling sluggish throughout the day. Keep your mind sharp by eating foods rich in amino acids, such as nuts, fish, lean meat, dairy and eggs.

Also, make sure you include plenty of colourful fruits and vegies, as well as antioxidant-rich herbs and spices, which will help protect your grey matter from harmful free radicals. Oily fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, are good sources of brain food, so try to include fish in your diet at least three to four times a week.

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