Page 18 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2025 1. On Nov. 7, 1991, what basketball player announced that he was retiring due to HIV? 2. What is a Gish gallop in a debate? 3. What doctor was well known for having a couch? 4. On Nov. 8, 2020, who died who has the record for “most game show episodes hosted by the same presenter”? 5. When is an auntie not an aunt? 6. November is Native American Heritage Month; what tribe has been recognized by the federal government or Massachusetts? 7. On November 9 was the Great Boston Fire of 1872; at what building at Washington and Milk Streets was the fi re stopped? 8. In 2003 in Flat Rock in what state was the world’s largest chocolate chip cookie baked? 9. What is the diff erence between a dromedary and a Bactrian camel? 10. On Nov. 10, 1969, what children’s TV series (with Count von Count) debuted? 11. What NATO ally does not have an army? 12. What state is allowing killing of non-native swans eff ective Jan. 1, 2026? 13. On Nov. 11, what year did World War I end? 14. What band’s only top 40 song was in 1968 and was 17+ minutes long? 15. After a jewelry theft in what museum did a company launch an advertising campaign for its company’s furniture ladder that the thieves used? 16. What two Arab countries have a name with a “q”? 17. On Nov. 12, 1961, what Romanian gymnast was born? 18. How are “Captain Kidd,” “Peter Pan” and “Treasure Island” similar? 19. What two words are missing from the song title “(Are Made of These)”? 20. November 13 is Sadie Hawkins Day; it was inspired by what Al Capp comic strip? Answers How to Stave Off Cognitive Decline as You Age Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any proven strategies to preventing cognitive decline? I have a family history of dementia and worry about my own memory and cognitive abilities as I grow older. Forgetful at 55 Dear Forgetful, For most people, starting in their fi fties and sixties, the brain’s ability to remember names, multi-task or learn something new starts declining. While our genes (which we can’t control) play a key role in determining our cognitive aging, our general health (which we do have some control over) plays a big factor too. Here are some healthy lifestyle strategies — recommended by medical experts — you can employ that can help stave off cognitive loss and maybe even build a stronger brain. Manage health problems: Studies have shown that cognitive problems are related to health conditions, like diabetes, heart disease and even depression. So, if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes you need to treat them with lifestyle changes and medication (if necessary) and get them under control. And if you have a history of depression, talk to your doctor about treatment options. Exercise: Aerobic exercise increases blood flow to all parts of your body, including your brain, to keep the brain cells well nourished. So, choose an aerobic activity you enjoy like walking, cycling, dancing, swimming, etc., that elevates your heart rate and do it for at least 30 to 40 minutes three times a week. Eat healthy: A hearthealthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, will also help protect the brain. A Mediterranean diet includes relatively little red meat and emphasizes whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fi sh and shellfi sh, and nuts, olive oil and other healthy fats. Also keep processed foods and sweets to a minimum. Get plenty of sleep: Quality, restful sleep contributes to brain health too. Typically, adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep daily. If you have persistent problems sleeping, you need to identify and address the problem. Medications, latenight exercise and alcohol can interfere with sleep quality and length, as can arthritis pain, sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome. If you need help, make an appointment with a sleep specialist who will probably recommend an overnight diagnostic sleep test. Challenge your mind: Some research suggests that mind challenging activities can help improve memory, and slow age-related mental decline. But be aware that these activities consist of things you aren’t accustomed to doing. In other words, crossword puzzles aren’t enough to challenge your brain, if you’re already a regular puzzle doer. Instead, you need to pick up a new skill like learning to dance, play a musical instrument, study a new language or do math problems — something that’s challenging and a little outside your comfort zone. Brain-training websites like Lumosity, Elevate and Peak are good mind exercising tools because they continually adapt to your skill level to keep you challenged. Socializing and interacting with other people is another important way to stimulate the brain. So, make a point to reach out and stay connected to friends, family and neighbors. Join a club, take a class or even volunteer — anything that enhances your social life. Don’t smoke or drink: Smoking and regular alcohol consumption both aff ect the brain in a negative way, so kick the habit if you smoke and, if you drink, do so only occasionally. Check your eyes and ears: A growing body of evidence shows that vision and hearing loss, which aff ects brain stimulation, can also increase the risk of cognitive decline. So, get your eyes and ears checked regularly and treat any issues promptly. Reduce stress: Some stress is good for the brain, but too much can be toxic. There’s evidence that things like mindfulness meditation, yoga and tai chi are all good ways to help reduce stress. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. 1. Earvin “Magic” Johnson (came out of retirement for the 1992 All-Star Game and in 1995—1996.) 2. A debater uses so many falsehoods that they cannot be refuted within the allotted time. 3. Sigmund Freud 4. Alex Trebek (hosted “The Wizard of Odds,” “Jeopardy!” and “Double Dare,” etc.) 5. Auntie is slang for a loved/respected older woman. 6. Wampanoag (Mashpee, Gay Head [Aquinnah] and Herring Pond [Plymouth]) 7. Old South Meeting House, as people especially wanted to save that landmark 8. North Carolina (102 feet and 40K+ lbs.) 9. A dromedary has one hump and a Bactrian camel has two. 10. “Sesame Street” 11. Iceland 12. California 13. 1918 14. Iron Butterfly (“InA-Gadda-Da-Vida”) 15. Louvre 16. Iraq and Qatar 17. Nadia Comăneci 18. They are films involving pirates. 19. “Sweet Dreams” 20. “Li’l Abner” (a recurring storyline inspired a college fad)
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