One of the key components of an elder’s overall wellbeing is brain health. In the same way that they can take steps to achieve and maintain their optimal physical wellness, there are proven techniques they can use to help maintain mental clarity and help minimize cognitive decline. At our skilled nursing facility in Loveland, CO, we encourage elders to treat brain health as a top priority.
Top Strategies for Staying Sharp
While decreased mental function is common as we age, it isn’t inevitable. Rather than sitting back and hoping you are one of the “lucky ones” who stays sharp, use the strategies below to help ensure that you do.
1. What Kinds of Activities Help in Maintaining Elder Brain Health?
A wide variety of activities can help older people keep their minds healthy. Things like exercise, continuously using the brain in a variety of ways, keeping social connections strong, eating well, and getting help for any emotional difficulties that come up can all help the brain stay strong.
2. How Does Physical Activity Help the Brain?
A lot of people think that brain health is disconnected from the health of the rest of the body. However, they are actually closely linked. The healthier the rest of your body is, the more likely your brain will be healthy, too. When people exercise, they increase the number of small blood vessels throughout the body. This includes the brain! These vessels mean that key areas of the brain have a better blood supply. Regular physical activity also helps develop new nerve cells and makes more connections between those cells. You don’t have to do anything too strenuous to get these benefits. Walking regularly or using an elliptical is a great way to get these benefits without putting yourself at a high risk for other injuries.
3. What Kind of Mental Stimulation Helps Brain Health?
The more you use your brain, the less likely you are to experience any sort of cognitive decline. Regularly using your brain in new and different ways helps, too. You don’t have to go too far out of your way to find opportunities to do these things. Do a crossword puzzle every day. If something interesting comes up in conversation, go home and research it. Tackle a new skill and practice until you master it. Study a new language on your phone for a few minutes each day. Using your brain helps it stay strong.
4. Why Do Social Networks Matter for Brain Health?
Maintaining social connections is good for your body. People with larger social circles usually have lower blood pressure and live longer. What is good for your body is good for your brain, because your brain is part of your body. Thus, keeping your social connections strong can help with your brain health, too. Additionally, keeping social relationships strong requires your brain to work. You have to remember the names of friends old and new and plan activities you can do together. Strong social connections are a great way to stimulate your brain without having to think about it too much!
5. Does Diet Really Matter When it Comes to Maintaining Elder Brain Health?
It does! As mentioned above, what is good for the body is usually good for the brain. Eating well gives you the energy and the nutrients you need to stay strong and healthy. When you make sure you are eating foods with the healthy fats your brain likes, your diet can also work to prevent dementia and other cognitive impairment. These foods include fatty fish like salmon, nuts, and unsaturated oils like olive oil. Some fruits and vegetables help your brain stay healthy, too!
6. What Emotional Issues Affect Brain Health?
A wide variety of emotional issues can have a negative impact on brain function. These include anxiety and depression, but are not limited to those. For the best results for your brain, seek treatment for any mental or emotional issue that comes up. Talk to your doctor or find a counselor to get the help you need!
Healthy Brain, Happy Life
Green House Homes is a skilled nursing facility where we support whole-person health in everything from the meals we serve to the activities we coordinate. Our unique real-home setting helps elders lead happy, healthy, productive lives with a focus on personal growth that keeps both their head and their heart engaged.
