Some people think creativity is a young person’s game—like your brain somehow runs out of spark once you hit a certain birthday. But honestly? That’s total nonsense. Creativity doesn’t retire. In fact, staying creative might be one of the best ways to keep your brain young, flexible, and full of life.
You don’t have to be an artist, writer, or inventor to be creative. Creativity just means thinking in new ways, trying things differently, and keeping your curiosity alive. And good news: your brain can do that at any age.
Here’s how to keep those mental gears turning—and have fun doing it.
Ditch the Idea That Creativity Is Only for “Creative Types”
Let’s clear something up: you don’t have to be a painter, poet, or startup founder to be creative.
Creativity can show up in:
- Cooking without a recipe
- Reorganizing your space for better flow
- Problem-solving at work or home
- Finding new ways to connect with people
It’s not about talent. It’s about engagement and originality, even in small ways. So stop telling yourself, “I’m not the creative type.” If you’ve ever MacGyvered your way through a missing ingredient or fixed something with duct tape and hope, congrats—you’re creative.
Challenge Your Brain Regularly (But Make It Fun)
Your brain LOVES novelty. Giving it new puzzles or activities keeps it nimble and more resistant to aging.
Try things like:
- Learning a new language or instrument
- Doing crossword puzzles or sudoku
- Trying a different route when driving
- Switching hands when brushing your teeth
Even 10 minutes a day of brain-stretching activity helps. Think of it like doing mental yoga—it might feel awkward at first, but your brain will thank you later.
Real example:
Tom, 67, started learning the harmonica just for fun. “I’ve never played an instrument in my life, but now I can play the blues. It’s like unlocking a part of my brain I didn’t know was still awake.”
Surround Yourself with Curious People
Ever notice how being around curious, open-minded people makes you feel more energized? That’s not a coincidence. Creativity and sharp thinking thrive in social environments where ideas bounce around.
Find your people:
- Join a local club, workshop, or class
- Attend talks or community meetups
- Create a regular “curiosity lunch” with friends to talk about new things you've learned or want to try
Staying mentally sharp isn’t just a solo mission—it’s way easier (and more fun) with others who are also hungry to learn and grow.
Give Yourself Permission to Be a Beginner
Nothing kills creativity faster than perfectionism. A lot of adults avoid new hobbies or ideas because they’re afraid of looking silly.
But guess what? Being a beginner is where the magic happens.
Let yourself:
- Paint badly
- Dance off-beat
- Write awkward poems
- Try coding and get stuck (a lot)
The process—not the outcome—is where your brain grows. Children are creative by nature because they’re not afraid to try stuff. Steal that mindset.
Make Boredom Work for You
Boredom isn’t your enemy—it’s often your brain asking for space to think.
Give yourself white space:
- Take walks without podcasts or music
- Sit with a cup of tea and just look out the window (yes, seriously)
- Leave your phone in another room for a bit
When you stop flooding your brain with constant input, creativity sneaks back in. That “aha!” moment? It usually shows up when you’re not trying so hard.
Exercise—But Not Just for Your Body
Movement is linked to better cognition, memory, and creativity. Even a short walk can boost blood flow to the brain and improve idea generation.
Some of history’s greatest thinkers (like Darwin and Beethoven) were notorious walkers. Coincidence? Probably not.
Try this:
- Take a “thinking walk” when you’re stuck on an idea
- Stretch while brainstorming
- Try dancing like no one’s watching—because no one is
Your body and brain are connected. Keep one moving, and the other follows.
Keep a “What If” Notebook
One of the best tricks to staying creative is to capture your curiosity in real time.
Start a little notebook—or use your notes app—and jot down:
- “What if” questions
- Random ideas
- Interesting conversations
- Observations that spark something
Example: “What if people aged in reverse?” or “What if I started a cooking club for people who hate cooking?”
Silly? Maybe. But those sparks are creativity in motion.
The act of writing them down keeps your brain on alert for more connections and insights.
Feed Your Senses
Your brain processes creativity through your senses. If you want to think in new ways, you’ve got to experience new inputs.
Try this:
- Listen to music you’ve never heard before (international playlists are gold)
- Visit a museum or art gallery
- Cook a dish from a cuisine you don’t know
- Light a candle with a scent you’ve never used
The more sensory experiences you give your brain, the more raw material it has to play with.
Don’t Fear Tech—Play With It
Learning new tech tools is a double win: it keeps your brain sharp AND helps you express creativity in new ways.
You don’t have to become a digital expert, but exploring things like:
- Photo or video editing apps
- Digital drawing tools
- Podcasting platforms
- AI text-to-image tools (they're kinda fun!)
…can make you feel like a kid with a new toy. Plus, the world is moving fast—staying curious about tech helps you stay connected, too.
Real-life proof:
Barbara, 70, started a travel Instagram to share her road trip stories. “It took me a week to figure out how to post a reel,” she says, laughing. “But now I’ve got nieces messaging me for social tips.”
Rest Your Brain, Too
Mental sharpness doesn’t mean running your brain ragged. In fact, rest is part of the process.
Sleep helps consolidate memories, clear mental clutter, and restore emotional balance. Creative people know when to push—and when to take a nap.
So don’t feel guilty for:
- Napping in the afternoon
- Having a day where you do nothing “productive”
- Stepping away from a problem to let your brain chew on it in the background
Rest isn’t lazy—it’s strategic.
