Age and illnesses such as dementia tend to make people more forgetful. But studies show incorporating these 10 habits will improve your memory. They might also make your life more memorable.

1. Having strong support and an active social life. Research shows that having meaningful relationships and a strong support system are vital not only to emotional health, but also to brain health, according to Helpguide.org. Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found in a recent study that people with the most active social lives had the slowest rate of memory decline.

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2. Taking naps. A Harvard University study found students who were trained on tasks, then took a brief nap, performed better on memory tasks than their non-napping counterparts, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

3. Exercising. Evidence suggests aerobic exercise may have considerable positive effects on aging and brain health in the short term. According to The Huffington Post, a study conducted last year by the University of Texas-Dallas found sedentary people ages 57 to 75 saw improvements in memory and cognition in as little as six weeks after beginning an exercise regime

4. Breaking routines, such as driving the same route home every day. Neuroscientists say new experiences help your brain recall and retain information better, according The Huffington Post.

5. Keeping stress in check. Chronic stress, if left unchecked over time, destroys brain cells and damages the hippocampus, the region of the brain involved in the formation of new memories and the retrieval of old ones.

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6. Eating healthy foods, particularly vegetables. A Harvard University study carried out over 25 years found women who ate plenty of vegetables, especially leafy greens, were less likely to develop age-related memory problems, reports Today Health.

7. Laughing. Laughter engages multiple regions across the whole brain, according to Helpguide.org. Listening to jokes and working out punch lines activates areas of the brain vital to learning and creativity.

8. Meditating. According to The Atlantic, one study found that after meditating just four times a week for 45 minutes, 48 graduate students at the University of California at Santa Barbara took tests that showed they had improved their memory and focus in just two weeks.

9. Drinking caffeinated beverages. A study conducted at John Hopkins University found that students who were given 200 mg of caffeine, the equivalent of one to two cups of brewed coffee, performed better on memory tests than those who were given a placebo pill, reports The Hub.

10. Learning new skills. People can improve their memories by learning new skills that challenge them to use and develop new pathways in their brain. For example, learning to play a musical instrument or making pottery.

This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.

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