My family and I used to play the game “Would You Rather?” all the time. You know, would you rather be in a room of mosquitos or hungry lions?

Recently, a friend asked if you would rather lose your mind or your body as you aged, and it got me thinking. As if it were a meant-to-be topic, another friend (thank you, Charlotte) suggested some tips for keeping dementia at bay.

Let’s discuss some key components to staying healthy cognitively as we age. You may be surprised that many of the tips are ones you already know and hopefully do.

• Move — Move daily in as many different ways as you can. This keeps the body agile and pain free as well as stimulates the mind to learn and adapt to new moves.

• Eat — Whole natural foods with a healthy balance of quality protein, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables (carbohydrate) and unsaturated fat. Limit sugar and processed foods. Plus, drink lots of water. The brain needs to eat too.

• Sleep — Solid, undisrupted, quality pillow time is essential for the aging body and brain.

• Manage stress — Limit stress by doing things that fill your cup, practicing self-care, avoiding unhealthy relationships and situations and doing all of the above. Chronic cases of stress can seriously affect some of the most important areas of the brain.

• Be social — Isolation can increase the aging process. Instead, participate in high-level socializing — this human (or pet) connection will enhance cognition and memory, plus it is fun.

• Play games — Learn new things, do the crossword, pick up pickleball, read a book, challenge someone to a burpee-off. Whatever you like to keep the brain and you on your toes for as long as possible.

These tips will keep your mind functioning properly plus have many other added health benefits. Don’t waste any time — pick one and start today.

Sarah Coleman is a recovery, life and wellness coach at Emerald Integrative Health, a personal trainer and fitness coach at Steamboat Fit, a CrossFitter, a food connoisseur, meal prep chef and an outdoor enthusiast.