Boost Your Brain Health: Essential Tips for Seniors
As we age, changes take place in our brains that can slow down comprehension and increase the risk of memory loss. More than 55 million people live with dementia worldwide, making cognitive decline a serious concern for seniors.
Ways to Enhance Cognitive Function
While you can’t reverse the aging process, there are steps older adults can take to boost brain function. Stimulation and activity are key to preventing dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other memory-related conditions. Try these simple shifts to help keep your cognitive health in good shape.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
According to the National Council on Aging, a nutrient-rich diet can prevent damage to brain cells. Incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, spinach, broccoli, and carrots into your meals. Additionally, foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and nuts, reduce inflammation and help support optimal brain health.
Get Better Sleep
The importance of getting high-quality shut-eye cannot be overstated. Older adults require 7-9 hours of sleep per night, but many seniors fail to reach that amount. This lack of sleep can have serious consequences over time, including affecting their reflexes, fine motor skills, judgment, and memory. If you struggle to get adequate sleep, try to avoid caffeine late in the day, maintain a regular sleep schedule, and contact your doctor if you experience regular insomnia.
Play Brain Games
Completing crossword puzzles and playing brain teasers stimulates cognitive activity, plus they can give you a sense of accomplishment. Need ideas for mental exercises? Sudoku, Jenga, checkers, chess, and Scrabble are all great picks. Many games can be played in a group setting, so these activities are a great way to spend time with your family members, too.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress has the ability to actually rewire your brain, interfering with memory and lowering attention and cognitive function. Though certain life stressors are unavoidable, you can still protect yourself from long-term damage. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and journaling, and consult a counselor if you feel stress is interfering with your daily life.
Find Ways to Socialize
Staying socially connected has many benefits, and, as it turns out, can actually reduce our chances of developing dementia. Try your best to stay in touch with friends and family members with regular visits and video chats. You can also look for opportunities to make new pals by attending a class at the Lafayette YMCA or checking out the Tippecanoe Senior Center.
Visiting Angels Helps Support Senior Health
At Visiting Angels of Northern Central Indiana, we’re dedicated to helping seniors maintain and improve their brain health. Caregivers can engage in brain boosting activities with seniors, provide transportation to social events, and encourage lifestyle habits that support cognitive function.
For more information or to set up a free consultation at your home in Northern Central Indiana, simply fill out our contact form or give us a call at 765-670-6260.