Have you ever gone to another room to get an item, and once you are there, forgot what you were looking for? How about seeing a person you met recently and not being able to remember their name? When you are asked for a family member's phone number, address or birthday, do you have to go look it up?

Getting older doesn't have to be defined by forgetfulness and difficulty with concentration. Studies have shown that a healthy lifestyle and watching your numbers (weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol) is good for your brain.

There's a lot you can do to help keep your brain healthier as you age. The key steps are staying mentally active, staying physically active, remaining socially active and adopting a brain healthy diet. These steps might also reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease or other dementia, and can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes.

Experts believe the aging process begins at 40, but most people begin to notice changes once they retire; a slowing down due to the lack of using concentration and memory skills.

Use it or lose it!

Mentally stimulating exercises help strengthen the connections between brain cells. For example, doing word searches, crossword puzzles and brain teasers will improve brain function. Repeating material verbally and writing it down is helpful in remembering important information. Even better, try using sound, rhyme or picture associations to assist in memorization. Taking on a new hobby has also shown to be beneficial in keeping the brain active.

Physical exercise may be the most important thing one can do to slow down the aging process. Such activity improves blood flow to the brain and helps develop new brain cells.

Social interaction makes physical and mental activity more enjoyable, so getting involved in groups such as senior citizen clubs, sports leagues, exercise or craft classes is beneficial. Or simply invite visitors over for coffee and conversation, or to play cards. Being with other people will combat isolation and can reduce stress levels, which helps maintain healthy connections among brain cells.

Research suggests that high cholesterol may contribute to stroke and brain cell damage. A low fat, low cholesterol diet is advisable. And there is growing evidence that a diet rich in dark vegetables and fruits, which contain antioxidants, may help protect brain cells. A lack of omega-3 - and most Americans are lacking in this important fatty acid - seems to be a strong indication of those who struggle with memory problems.

The Central New York Alzheimer's Association provides a community workshop, “Maintain Your Brain: How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle.” The one-hour interactive workshop features nutritional and lifestyle advice, strategies to keep your memory sharp, interactive exercises and activities and materials to take home for further reading. For more information on this program, call 472-4201 or visit http://www.alz.org/centralnewyork/.

If anyone is interested in attending a Maintain Your Brain workshop in Cayuga County, please call me at 253-1003, and I can work with the association to get one scheduled in the near future.

Janet L. Taylor is an aging services specialist with the Cayuga County Office for the Aging.