According to researchers, the brain has maximal function between ages 16 and 25 years old and after that there is a steady decline in reasoning, memory focus and concentration.

However, because of a property called “neuroplasticity", the brain, like the muscles, e.g., the biceps muscles, is able to change and grow when it is challenged regularly. That means, daily or at the least, exercising or practicing the activity most days of the week for a minimum of 20-30 minutes at a time.

In addition, the brain enhancing activities needs to have some variety, because as with the body, if you concentrate on one muscle group, they will grow strong while other muscles stay the same or even weaken.

It is therefore best to practice with games and exercises that focus on skills to enhance the memory, reasoning and analysis, concentration, information processing, planning, visualization, spatial orientation, reading comprehension, numerical calculation, writing and vocabulary.

Meditation and repose have also been found to enhance the function of the brain.

If you are strong in one area, do not neglect it, instead find ways to further enhance it, while building up the other skills. See how many different activities you can find to do that play off each other.

E.g. reading different genres will allow you to learn new words which will then help with comprehension and writing ability and visualization.

Playing trivia games will help you learn about different topic areas, with speedy reading and analysis and with memory and recall.

Even simple grocery shopping can be more fun if you eschew making grocery lists and carrying a calculator. Instead practice memory and recall, planning and concentration by creating the list in your head and work on numerical calculation by keeping a running total in your head as you shop.

Another good thing to do is to pick up a new hobby, learn to play a musical instrument or a challenging game.

Try things that provide a challenge, but is so onerous that you dread doing it regularly. The key to improvement is regular, concentrated practice.

The more you do, the more your grow, the better you get!

Challenge yourself and invite others to join in the fun.
Here are some ideas to get you started.

Smartphone Games:

• Jeopardy World Tour- Join a club to really have fun !
• Wordscapes: Amazing Nag-a Ram fun! I meant Anagram :)
• CodyCross: Lots of random information that you did not know and things that you know and cannot spell!

Computer Games

• NeuroNation - Multiple games
• Lumosity - Free and Subscription based but the nominal cost is well worth it.
• Sharp Brain - Very fun, interactive and informational.