Functioning optimally in daily life requires cognitive health. Seniors who intend to stay independent rely on their minds’ abilities to make reasonable decisions, recall important tasks and carry on conversations. Seniors may continue to accomplish the necessary, everyday tasks by improving their brain health.
What are components of good brain health?
Aside from thinking, remembering and learning, three functions are critical to brain health. Motor function is how well seniors control physical movements. The ability to interpret and respond to emotions is a part of emotional function. Sensory function includes responses to touch, pain and temperature.
In order to maximize optimum brain health and function, seniors should incorporate a variety of activities into their daily lives and make efforts to reduce risks to cognitive health. Following are lifestyle modifications seniors may make to keep their minds in peak condition.
1. Eat Nutritiously
Just as a senior’s physical body requires nutrients, a healthy brain needs sufficient vitamins to perform. Consuming nutrient-rich foods, like those found in the Mediterranean diet, has proven, in some instances, to reduce the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
Foods in the Mediterranean diet include fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and low-fat dairy. Olive oil is often consumed in the Mediterranean diet and has been shown to preserve memory and even boost an aging individual’s brain function.
Staying hydrated with water and other fluids is critical to maintaining brain and bodily health. Older adults should also limit their intake of salt, sugar and solid fats. Instead of salt, add herbs and spices to dishes. Replace the butter with olive oil. Snack on nuts rather than sugar-laden desserts.
2. Exercise Regularly
Thirty minutes of physical activity four times a week benefits the brain. Exercise stimulates the brain’s ability to preserve network connections and form new ones. Plus, regular physical exercise increases the size of the brain’s structure relevant to learning, memory and developing spatial memory.
Exercise may be simple and yet significant. Seniors may perform housework or walk briskly. Ongoing studies suggest that brisk walks improve brain health more than non-aerobic stretching. Seniors who participate in informative programs learn to move safely and avoid falls that can injure the brain.
3. Workout the Brain
Thinking ability improves when seniors learn diverse skills. Pursuing new hobbies, such as quilting or photography, has been shown to provide greater memory improvement than simply socializing. Scientific research on the efficacy of online brain games is evolving, so be wary of claims that such games improve memory.
Keeping one’s mind active may be achieved through reading books, doing puzzles, taking a class or even teaching a class. Seniors who engage in volunteering report they are healthier and happier. While mentally stimulating activities do not prevent dementia, they are beneficial to brain health.
4. Socialize
Feeling lonely or experiencing social isolation has negative consequences on seniors’ brain health, including higher risk for dementia and poorer cognitive functioning. While current research has not proven that socialization prevents cognitive decline, staying connected helps to reduce the risk of cognitive impairment.
Visiting with friends and family keeps the brain active. Social outlets may include activities at local senior centers, faith-based programs and community programs. When family members are busy, aging adults may turn to professional Caregivers for companion care, pleasant conversation and transportation to social programs.
5. Sleep Restfully
Quality sleep supports brain health. Some seniors may experience a lack of restful sleep or not enough sleep due to insomnia or medical conditions, such as sleep apnea. Sleepless nights are associated with issues in memory, concentration, thinking and other cognitive functions.
Encourage restful sleep by limiting caffeinated drinks, such as tea, soda and coffee. Take naps earlier in the day rather than later. Remain physically active during the day to promote sound sleep at night. An ideal sleep environment is comfortably cool, dark and quiet.
6. Reduce Stress
Older people are vulnerable to stress. The passing of loved ones, challenges to independent functioning and physical health conditions contribute to stress in aging people. Stressful environments and situations reduce cognitive functioning as well as lead to emotional issues, like depression.
Seniors may combat stress with a variety of calming activities. Tai chi, walking, gardening and meditating are known to reduce stress. Senior centers include mornings of tai chi for their members. Caregivers accompany seniors on walks to promote stability. Seniors may tend to houseplants for stress relief.
7. Quit Unhealthy Habits
To promote brain health, seniors who smoke should quit. Cigarettes increase the smoker’s risk of developing dementia. Alcohol, too, negatively impacts the brain, slowing communication between brain cells. Consuming alcohol over the long term can cause changes in memory and emotions.
Quitting smoking at any age can improve brain health significantly. Seniors who stop smoking have normal brain functioning well into old age. Skip the alcohol, especially since seniors may be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol as they age. Medicines, too, can adversely react with alcohol.
Brain health can be improved by implementing many or all of the above recommendations. Seniors can enjoy optimal brain functioning and independence well into old age. When help is needed to exercise, eat nutritiously or stay socially engaged, aging adults can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care Richmond.
Assisting Hands Richmond Memory Care Services
In addition to memory care services, Assisting Hands Richmond Caregivers offer assistance with activities of daily living. We help with meal preparation, provide transportation, offer companionship and discreetly assist with bathing, grooming and dressing.
Families and their aging loved ones depend on Assisting Hands Richmond, for our reputable memory care and home care services. If your loved on suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related conditions, consult our representatives to start the journey toward better health.
