How Seniors Can Improve Brain Health
18 December 2020
Overview
As we grow older, it becomes more important to pay attention to our brain health and functional memory. Studies have shown that the human brain can function at a very high level even in the later stages of life.
It all depends on how well we care for our minds and the way we live our lives. Thankfully, there are many different ways to improve cognitive function, reduce memory loss, and enhance brain power.
By challenging the mind, staying social, and eating foods that nurture the brain, seniors can stay sharp and engaged well into the later stages of life. Keep reading to learn more about how seniors can boost their brain health.
Challenge Your Brain
Learning new things can help seniors develop new connections in their brains and keep their mental health from deteriorating. Challenging the brain essentially helps it “workout” and stay in good shape.
Fun games such as sudoku, crossword puzzles, and jigsaw puzzles are great ways to keep the aging brain challenged and focused on solving complex problems. Other great activities include reading, writing in a journal, and even playing video games!
In fact, recent studies have found that video games can positively impact cognitive health in older adults. This can be especially important for seniors that are homebound and looking to stimulate their minds in a new way.
Eat a Brain Healthy Diet
Some foods are better than others when it comes to cognitive health and performance. By incorporating brain nurturing foods into their diets, seniors can enhance their ability to think clearly, remember important information, and analyze complex problems.
Nuts and seeds are incredibly good for brain health. Walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds are particularly good in this regard, helping prevent cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Berries are also fantastic for our minds and can help protect them from damage. For example, blueberries can help improve short-term memory and coordination. They have a high amount of antioxidants that help fight against oxidative stress while supporting our immune system.
Cutting back on meat and eating diets such as the Mediterranean or DASH diet can also lead to a more youthful and functional brain. These eating strategies emphasize vegetables, nuts, and olive oil as key factors in improving cognitive function.
Take a Walk
Simply going for a daily walk can do wonders for seniors looking to boost brain health. Walking improves oxygen and blood flow to the brain which is vital for improving mental capabilities, protecting against cognitive decline, and boosting memory levels. Increased oxygen to the brain is very important as our minds need 20% of our total oxygen supply to function properly.
Group exercises such as tennis, hiking trips, or joint walks are also great for seniors that are looking to benefit from socializing and exercising. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of socialization for brain health.
Nurture Your Social Relationships
You may be surprised to learn that social relationships are important for brain health and well-being. Seniors in particular need to stay connected with people to keep their minds sharp and functional.
Building social networks and participating in social activities are like exercises for your brain because they keep aging minds agile while improving cognitive function. In fact, having great relationships can protect the human brain from aging and diseases such as dementia.
Good relationships help seniors by reducing stress, fighting depression, stimulating the mind, and providing emotional support. Interacting with other people also keeps our memory sharp in the later stages of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many great ways in which seniors can boost the health of their brains. The human mind will naturally improve when we’re focusing on the right foods, challenging our minds, and staying active.
Social relationships are also vital for brain health as human beings need strong, positive connections to stay mentally sharp. By following the above tips, seniors can significantly improve their quality of life and prevent cognitive decline for years to come.
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