One of the most challenging and yet rewarding aspects of living to a senior age is keeping your mind sharp. Today, people are living longer, and the risk for Alzheimer’s disease is high. Because of this, it’s essential for seniors to keep in shape mentally by exercising their brains regularly using Optimal Brain’s neurofeedback therapy and other modalities.
When you reach your senior age, it’s not uncommon to experience what psychologists call “cognitive decline” or “age-related cognitive impairment” — a general slowing down of the brain. It could also mean starting to search for assisted living facilities, and Rowntree Gardens Assisted Living comes highly recommended.
Slow Down
Working on the same tasks over and over again is a fast way to make your senior years miserable. To avoid boredom, Seniors should work slowly and take “breaks” throughout the day. This helps avoid cognitive decline by keeping your brain flexible and mobile.
When you get older, physical work is often not the best option. However, Seniors can change their careers and no longer be physically active by changing to an office job (i.e., a “wellness” job). You’ll get to work at your own pace, perform something you love and earn a decent wage. And most importantly, you won’t have to work out your brain or body as much as someone that works in the physical world.
Expand Your Social Circle
Socialization is a fantastic way to save yourself from senior-related cognitive decline. And to be social, you’ll need to find new and interesting ways to connect with people of all different ages. Try switching up your group of friends once in a while and try meeting new people.
Even if you don’t have any nieces or nephews, you should still maintain your social life. Seniors should connect with friends and family and make time for activities. People are often surprised to find out that seniors are quite social.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is a big factor in fighting senior-related cognitive decline – and the best part is that Seniors can do it at their own pace. No longer will you have to worry about running out of energy or getting into shape for a race. In fact, physical activity makes your brain work better!
In addition, exercise is also linked to emotional well-being! It helps give you a good feeling by releasing endorphins and other feel-good hormones.
Exercise can help you fight against Alzheimer’s disease and other memory problems associated with aging. And guess what? Even if you’re a couch potato, it’s not too late to start working out. Keeping your body active helps to keep your brain active as well. Keeping physical activity is vital to preventing the onset of memory loss that comes with growing older and the results that can come from it.
Eat Well
A healthy diet is one of the best ways for seniors to keep their brains sharp and avoid cognitive decline. Studies have shown that seniors who eat well are less likely to experience memory loss and other problems like “dementia” or “Alzheimer’s.” Try to eat lots of healthy foods like blueberries, artichokes, walnuts, and fatty fish.
A diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (fish, nuts, and leafy greens) reduces inflammation and controls blood pressure, which benefits the brain. Try including fish at least once a week (tuna is a good source for Omega-3) or adding a few walnuts to your salads every day.
Challenge Your Brain
Seniors need to do exercises that force their brains to work harder. Reading, writing, solving crosswords, and participating in mentally stimulating activities are essential for maintaining a sharp mind.
In order to stay sharp, seniors need to keep their minds active. Seniors should challenge their brains by taking up hobbies that require a lot of mental energy (i.e., puzzles, Sudoku, crosswords) or reading books that are new and intellectually stimulating.
Help Others
Helping others is known to be beneficial for seniors. Engaging in “volunteering” can help with memory loss issues that are typically caused by aging. Simply helping out your community, or spending time with family and friends, is a great way to fight against cognitive decline.
Showing kindness to others is a great way to keep your brain active and sharp. If you need help with this, find local volunteer positions available near your retirement home. You’ll get to use your brain while helping out those that need it.
Avoid Stress
Stress increases your cortisol levels, which in turn increases your risk for memory loss and other health issues associated with aging. Learn how to enjoy more relaxing activities like yoga, hot baths, or massages, or try learning techniques like mindfulness meditation that help reduce stress.
