As you age, you notice lapses in memory, difficulty in socialization, and learning new things.
Did you know that some parts of our body or brain develop atrophy because you’re not using it as much as you should? So while aging contributes to some cognitive decline, it’s inactivity that makes you mentally and physically rusty.
Not everyone in their 70s gets dementia or tends to have memory loss; some seniors’ brain scans depict that of individuals in their 20s or 30s. What does this mean? It means that dementia isn’t a destination for everyone in their golden years.
Yes, you can always sharpen the saw despite the aging process with independent living in Clinton Township, MI. While aging is inevitable, cognitive decline isn’t. Practicing healthy habits that can nurture your mind and body can help you keep your mind sharp as you age.
Mental Stimulation
Brain health is of optimum importance at any age – especially for seniors. The Alzheimer Association strongly supports the importance of constant and consistent brain stimulation to keep your mind active and alert even as you age.
You are never too old to learn new skills, so the love for learning should continue even in your old age. Remember, learning is a lifelong process, and it never ends.
You can stimulate your mental facets by exposing yourself to new activities or experiences. Taking on new challenges with various tasks that you can enjoy indoors and outdoors will help keep seniors mentally agile and robust.
You can try incorporating crossword puzzles or perhaps learning new skills or hobbies like gardening or doing arts and crafts, depending on the interest or preference of seniors.
Eat Healthily
A regular workout or exercise regimen works best when paired with a meal designed to activate the brain. One of the secrets to brain health is the Mediterranean Diet composed of fish, fruits, and vegetables plus olive oil and nuts.
Omega -3 fatty acids can be found in tuna, mackerel, and salmon that are proven to help prevent cognitive decline as you age. With this diet, you eliminate eating red meat, which helps decrease seniors’ risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. This diet also helps lower cholesterol levels and is excellent for cardiac health.
Get More Social
Older people should increase socialization over the years. There is a link between dementia and social isolation, which means if you are socially active, you can cut the risk by more than 50%.
You don’t need to find new friends – just enjoy some quality time with your closest friends. Increasing your interactions with people, such as volunteering for church or community activities, spending regular sessions with family, friends, or neighbors, or getting a new pet, can make a whole world of difference for both your mental and physical health.
Socialization can also be done online, especially with the COVID pandemic still going on. You can connect with other seniors, family members, and friends online, increase your awareness of new technology, and keep yourself abreast with trends and news with independent living in Clinton Township, MI.
Relax and Get More Sleep
Stress is a constant element in life. While some stress levels can challenge your brain and boost its capacity, you also need to relax. More relaxed seniors have sharper focus and attention than those under a lot of pressure or stress. Some relaxation techniques that can relieve stress at home are meditation, yoga, pet, and music therapy.
When fully relaxed, you get to sleep better. Deep sleep is hugely crucial for brain health. Adults who lack sleep for an extended time can be candidates for dementia. So, simple relaxation techniques can help improve your sleep routine. That way, you get a more relaxing sleep to enhance memory and focus.
Stay Active
Some older adults tend to withdraw from any physical activity as they age. However, one of the best ways to keep your mind and body at peak levels is to remain physically active as you age with the help of independent living in Clinton Township, MI.
Physical exercises are proven to help prevent the dangers of brain inflammation. It also boosts the growth of neurons to keep you mentally alert and active even in your golden years.
Keeping yourself active outdoors with sports you love or simple exercises is helpful. Exercises like light walking, stretching, dancing, or jogging can help you maintain your weight, boost socialization, and increase your memory and focus because you are always on your toes.
Continuous movement or activity helps you think on your feet. Staying active helps you enjoy the outdoors. Sweating and taking in more fresh air and sunshine can boost your overall health while keeping stress and dementia at bay.
Chasing a Goal or Purpose
Having a goal to chase makes you wake up on fire every single day. A passion or purpose fuels every individual. Seniors with dreams or passions to pursue are said to avoid dementia. Having this goal to work on or aspire to gives someone a sense of purpose in life.
You are never too old to work on your goals. Socializing keeps you engaged with yourself and others. In addition, having a plan and working on achieving it helps you become more involved on a deeper and more satisfying level.
Doing what you love never gets old. It’s still a life mantra that keeps people going every single day. Doing your passion, pursuing a hobby or quest for self-development, or helping a community can give seniors that much-needed boost to self-confidence and personal fulfillment.
Sharpen the Saw!
You may not look the same way as you did decades ago. Your skin has wrinkled, and your movement may now be slow and shaky, but you can always keep your mind sharp with the helpful tips above.
Aging may be a destination for everyone, but you can permanently rewire your mind to be as youthful as you were in your 20s or 30s. Boost your quality of life by indulging in healthy habits like regular physical exercise, nourishing your mind and body with a well-balanced diet, getting more social, and keeping your mind and body engaged with new goals and tasks to do with independent living in Clinton Township, MI.
