Everyone understands the importance of nourishing foods, regular exercise, and check-ups to safeguard against heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. However, the health of one of our most essential assets—the brain—is often overlooked.
Just like any other vital organ, your brain deserves dedicated care. To help you understand how to support brain health as you age, let’s explore the topic of senior brain health – including common factors influencing cognitive function and simple yet powerful tips to keep your mind sharp and vibrant.
While there are a few general steps that can be taken to improve or support a flourishing mind, it’s important to check in with your doctor before beginning any new wellness routine.
How to Improve Brain Health: What Influences Cognitive Health?
Research indicates that there is a gradual reduction in brain volume as we age, accompanied by the potential weakening of nerve cells and a subtle decrease in blood flow to the brain. These changes may contribute to occasional memory lapses and shifts in cognitive abilities, including things such as working, declarative, and procedural memory. However, it’s important to distinguish these normal age-related changes from more serious conditions like dementia.
While occasional forgetfulness is common, acute or persistent memory loss, significant difficulties with language and communication, or marked changes in reasoning and judgment could signal age-related dementia. If you or a loved one experiences such symptoms, seeking a professional evaluation is crucial for proper diagnosis and management.
According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, while there are no proven ways to fully prevent Alzheimer’s or related dementia, there are a few lifestyle practices that may help lower your risk. Outside of this, there are a few general ways you can support your brain health at any age. The best part? Many of these lifestyle changes support your overall physical well-being, too.
Healthy Brain Tips for Seniors
According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, while there are no proven tactics that ensure complete Alzheimer’s prevention, there are a few lifestyle practices that may help lower your risk. Outside of this, there are a few general ways you can support your brain health at any age. The best part? Many of these lifestyle changes support your overall physical well-being, too.
- Learn a New Skill. Have you always wanted to speak Italian or paint a portrait? As an older adult, the time is right to learn a new language or immerse yourself in a new, mentally challenging hobby. Reading, working on jigsaw puzzles with more than 500 pieces, Sudoku or crossword puzzles, and playing intellectually challenging board games like chess are easy ways to keep your mind sharp. Experts suggest that cognitive exercises for seniors should be done daily.
- Get Your Heart Rate Up. Recent studies found that exercising regularly can improve brain volume and overall health and that out-of-shape people who begin a workout regimen greatly improve their overall brain health. As we age, our brain cells, or neurons, lose their ability to connect, and these connections are integral for cognitive health. When we exercise, we increase blood supply to the brain and strengthen the development of neurons.
- Stay Social. The more you interact with friends and family, the more you help keep your brain healthy. A recent study showed that strong relationships with loved ones helped keep aging brains young. Don’t wait for invitations from others to be social; reach out to friends and family daily, schedule weekly lunches with loved ones, or volunteer at a local charity.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet. When it comes to your brain’s health, what you eat matters. Brain food is often the same as other health-supporting nutrition, meaning that adopting a healthier diet can support seniors holistically. Diets high in fats and cholesterol have been linked to Alzheimer’s, and doctors recommend seniors steer clear of fried foods and choose lean meats, dark leafy vegetables, and nuts instead. For a brain healthy diet, consider adding omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins E, D, and B12, and folate to your day as well, either through a supplement or by eating foods rich in these nutrients. Note: Talk to your doctor before taking a supplement. Your doctor may perform tests for certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies and advise you on the recommended dosage.
- Eliminate Stress. According to researchers at Harvard, disciplines including meditation, Tai Chi, and gentle yoga can improve brain health in older adults. In fact, even taking a vacation is great for the brain.
With just a few changes to your daily routine and diet, you can keep your brain strong and protect yourself against age-related dementia.
Embrace a Vibrant Future: Nurture Your Mind at Newcastle Place
At Newcastle Place, we understand that a fulfilling life extends beyond physical well-being. We’re committed to providing a place where your mind can flourish alongside your body. Imagine engaging in stimulating activities, learning new skills, and forging meaningful connections with like-minded peers – all while receiving personalized support and access to top-tier wellness resources.
Curious to explore how our senior living community can empower your journey toward optimal brain health? We invite you to visit us and discover a lifestyle where your mind is nurtured, your passions are ignited, and your days shine brighter.
Contact us today to schedule a tour!
