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Mental agility does not have to decline with age, as long as you keep exercising your mind, says Anna van Praagh . Telegraph
For the next 10 weeks,the telegraph will be publishing puzzles from the new book Puzzler Brain Trainer, from  neuropsychologist Ian Robertson, professor of psychology at Trinity College, Dublin and founding director of the university’s Institute of Neuroscience. He devised the  90-Day Workout to stretch, sharpen and stimulate the brain.
Professor Robertson’s tips for mental stimulation :
• Stimulate your brain regularly with puzzles.
• Keep physically fit. Exercise causes the brain to produce a kind of fertiliser called brain-derived neurotrophic factor that helps build new brain connections.
• Keep up your social life. Mixing with others is of immense value in keeping the brain active and alive.
• Learn new things: young people have to learn all the time which is why their brains are sharper. Keep it up, and generate new brain cells.
• Try to avoid prolonged and severe stress — it can affect neuro-transmitters in the brain and may impair its function.
• Eat food that is good for your heart and brain — plenty of fruit, vegetables and fish. Reduce saturated fat.
• Think young; people who perceive themselves as old are more likely to display signs of being old.
