“Intelligence is not to make no mistakes, but quickly to see how to make them good.” –Bertolt Brecht

New research shows that intelligence can be boosted. Brain scientists divide intelligence into two different aspects, fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence.

Fluid intelligence is the ability to step outside of our beliefs and use information which does not fit into our previously accepted view of reality. It is the ability to find meaning in confusion and to solve new problems, independent of previous knowledge.

Fluid intelligence helps us to solve problems. It was previously believed that this ability couldn’t be enhanced. However, new research shows that carefully designed brain training tools can improve this ability.

Tests results showed that those who trained more showed significantly more improvement compared to those who trained less. The research suggests that training branches up cells and form more connections between them.

Fluid intelligence is connected to the short-term memory. Programs that aim at boosting fluid intelligence, also try to improve the working memory.

Forget about brain age: current research shows that we can improve intelligence at any age. Here are some ways to help you improve your intelligence:

1. Become an early adaptor

Do you sometimes feel left behind by new developments? Take the Internet as an example. New trends appear just about weekly. Just think of the development of social media.

There are two groups of users, early adaptors and late adaptors. Early adaptors learn about new trends, study them and try out new software or gadgets. Late adaptors wait until the mainstream culture has caught up with a trend.

A way for your fluid intelligence to improve is to become an early adaptor.

2. Think Outside the Box

Whenever you want to solve a problem and can’t find an answer, search for a solution outside the box. If you do that, you become an agent of change. DeBono’s technique of Six Thinking Hats may be useful. (Please note: I have not read this book.)

3. Learn new skills

When did you last learn a completely new skill? It’s easy to become complacent with skills we have mastered in the past. However, it’s essential for brain growth to learn learn new skills. Because learning allows the brain to create neurons and new pathways.

4. Practice brain gym exercises

Fifty years ago, gyms that focused on strength training were unknown. Nowadays we know that it’s important to exercise our muscles and boost fitness at any age. However, it’s less accepted that we need to train our brain regularly as well.

You can check out how an exercise to boost visual memory works.

Another highly rated program is MindFit. It has been endorsed by leading neurologists, but I haven’t tried it yet myself.

Find more good ideas on how to exercise your brain in The Sharp Brains Guide to Brain Fitness. (Please note: I have not read this book.)

5. Learn to meditate

One of the reasons meditation helps with brain fitness, is that it trains attention. That is, the ability to focus on one thing for a prolonged period of time.  Obviously, this is useful when training the working memory. If someone says their name and your mind is elsewhere, there is no way you will remember it!

6. Nutrition

We can support brain health by good nutrition:

  1. Increase your water intake
  2. Eat natural antioxidants such as blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, spinach, Brussel sprouts, red peppers, avocados, etc.
  3. Include Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, found in deep-sea fish and fish oil.

As you can see, there is much we can do for brain fitness. The most important factor is the attitude we have. If we keep a positive outlook and keep on being willing to learn, our brain will develop, no matter what age we are.