One of my goals is to arrive at age 90 with a brain that is still curious, adaptable, and capable of learning new things. While no crossword puzzle or brain-training game can guarantee protection from cognitive decline, research consistently suggests that lifelong learning, intellectual engagement, novelty, and mentally challenging activities are associated with better cognitive outcomes as we age.

For me, brain training is not about chasing a score. It is about continually asking my brain to do hard things.

Why Challenge the Brain?

The brain is remarkably adaptable. Throughout life it retains the ability to form new connections, strengthen existing pathways, and reorganize itself in response to experience.

Activities that require concentration, memory, coordination, language, problem-solving, or learning may help maintain cognitive reserve – the brain’s ability to compensate for age-related changes and pathology.

My approach is simple:

• Keep learning
• Keep challenging myself
• Stay curious
• Avoid mental autopilot

Learning a Language

I am already fluent in both English and German and studied French for many years in school.

While I can comfortably navigate everyday situations when traveling in France, I decided to revisit the language with a new goal: expanding my vocabulary and improving fluency.

I purchased several French books and work through approximately one chapter each week. Beyond the practical benefits of language learning, I enjoy the challenge of recalling forgotten words, learning new expressions, and exercising parts of the brain that may otherwise remain underutilized.

Learning a language engages memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function – all valuable skills to continue exercising throughout life.

Playing an Instrument

Music combines multiple cognitive functions simultaneously.

Reading music, coordinating both hands, maintaining rhythm, recalling patterns, and listening critically all place demands on different regions of the brain.

I play piano several times each week and view it as both a source of enjoyment and a form of cognitive exercise.

I also spend about ten minutes each day playing a handpan. Unlike piano practice, which requires reading music and reproducing known pieces, my handpan sessions are entirely improvisational. The process of creating melodies in the moment engages creativity, listening, rhythm, and motor coordination, while also providing a welcome opportunity to slow down and be fully present.

Building New Skills

One of the most rewarding projects I have undertaken in the last year was teaching myself how to build a website using WordPress.

The site you are currently reading is the result of that effort.

Learning an entirely new skill later in life forced me to master unfamiliar concepts, solve problems, and continuously adapt to new challenges. It was often frustrating at times – but that is precisely why I believe it was valuable.

Growth rarely occurs inside our comfort zone.

Retain Your Brain

I regularly participate in activities through Retain Your Brain, a program designed to encourage cognitive engagement and healthy brain habits.

These exercises provide additional opportunities to challenge memory, attention, and thinking skills while remaining connected to a platform that helps track brain health.

Lumosity

Like many people, I often find myself with a few spare minutes while waiting for an appointment or standing in line.

Rather than mindlessly scrolling social media, I frequently open Lumosity and play a few games.

My favorite is Train of Thought, although I seem permanently stuck in the 48–50 train range.

While I don’t know whether the scores themselves matter, I enjoy the challenge and appreciate having a quick way to engage my brain during otherwise idle moments.

Staying Mentally Active

Perhaps the most important brain-training activity is simply remaining engaged with life.

Reading, learning, writing, solving problems, pursuing hobbies, maintaining relationships, exploring new ideas, and staying curious all place demands on the brain.

I do not believe there is a single magic game, app, or activity that preserves cognition.

Instead, I believe in creating a lifestyle that continuously asks the brain to adapt, learn, and grow.

Music and Auditory Learning

Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. In addition to playing piano and handpan, I listen to music regularly – often choosing classical music.

Research suggests that music engages multiple areas of the brain simultaneously, including those involved in memory, attention, emotion, pattern recognition, and auditory processing. Whether listening or performing, music provides a rich form of cognitive stimulation that I intend to maintain throughout my life.

I also believe podcasts are an underappreciated form of brain training. During many of my walks, I listen to educational podcasts covering topics such as health, science, longevity, history, and current research. Podcasts allow me to continue learning while exercising, exposing my brain to new ideas, perspectives, and information on a regular basis.

One of the themes that runs throughout my approach to brain health is lifelong learning. Whether through books, languages, music, conversations, websites, podcasts, or research papers, I believe the brain benefits from being continually challenged, engaged, and exposed to new experiences.

A Personal Note

The ability to learn is not reserved for the young.

As long as we continue to challenge ourselves, explore new interests, and remain curious about the world, we continue to build new connections and new possibilities.

My goal is simple: never stop learning.