things to do to keep your brain sharp

1 Stop doing crosswords While brain-training games do no harm, they are repetitive. The more you do, the brain is going to be less challenged. Do something new like learning to dance or life drawing.

2 Learn a language

Studies have shown that people who speak two languages develop dementia an average of four-and-a-half years later than people who only speak one.

3 Take the stairs

If there’s a magic bullet to slow brain-ageing, then exercise is it. Do 30 minutes of exercise five days a week.

4 Sleep

As we age, the quality of our sleep diminishes, contributing to a decline in brain health. Boost deep sleep by avoiding long naps.

5 Have more sex

Studies of people from 50 to 90 years old discovered those who are sexually active have better brain power.

6 Take up knitting

Scientists call wear and tear on the body due to stress “allostatic load”. Too much can contribute to a decline in thinking skills. Meditation and yoga are effective stress-busters but knitting is very good too.

7 Have a party

Loneliness increases the risk of developing dementia by 65 per cent and is said to be worse for your health than 15 cigarettes a day, being an alcoholic or being morbidly obese.

8 Get a job

Working is good to keep your brain young so put any retirement plans on hold. 9Learn how to play a musical instrument Making music can expand your mind.

10Do one thing at a time

Rather than multitasking, research has shown doing one thing at a time strengthens our ability to learn and understand.