Brain Boosting Habits for Seniors
Many changes occur to our bodies as we age, including a decline in memory and cognitive performance. You may have noticed that you lose your keys regularly or can’t remember names and addresses as easily. Having memory slips is unnerving, but developing a cognitive-related illness does not have to be inevitable.
How to Keep Your Brain Healthy as You Age
If you are concerned about developing memory problems, there are steps you can take. Try these simple lifestyle shifts to maintain and improve your cognitive function.
Try Something New
It’s essential to keep learning new things as we age. Studies have demonstrated that seniors who practice new skills have significantly improved memories. If there’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to do, now is the time. Take up knitting, learn a musical instrument, or sign up for a class at the Allegheny County Senior Center.
Do Brain Exercises
You may already enjoy completing crossword puzzles or other brain teasers. Challenge yourself to achieve more difficult activities each time you master something. Buy more complex jigsaw puzzles or play a new online or board game against your loved ones.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep deprivation has serious consequences, including affecting the brain’s ability to learn and retain memories. Insufficient sleep can even increase the risk of dementia. Seniors should aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night to stay cognitively healthy. If you or your senior loved one struggles to get enough shut-eye, avoid caffeine before bed, try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, and consult your doctor if you experience insomnia.
Eat Healthy
Certain foods contain omega-3 fatty acids and other compounds that help support optimal brain health. Try to incorporate fatty fish, fresh fruits like blueberries and oranges, veggies like spinach, eggs, and nuts into your diet.
Stay Socially Involved
Connecting with others helps boost our cognitive function and memory because social activities make us use our brains so much. There’s strong evidence that having a network of friends reduces our chances of developing cognitive impairment and dementia. Look for opportunities to interact with your loved ones, particularly if you live by yourself. Regular video calls with friends and family go a long way in boosting our moods and our brain power.
Visiting Angels of Wexford Can Help
At Visiting Angels, our kind and experienced caregivers can help your loved one engage in brain-boosting activities. Our team members enjoy completing jigsaw puzzles and games with clients and encouraging them to exercise and eat healthily.
If you’d like to learn more about how Visiting Angels can help support you or your senior loved one in the Wexford area with our flexible in-home care options, contact us today via our online form or call us at 412-366-4860.