3 Ways Seniors Can Increase Their Brain Health and Prevent Memory Loss

Our brain is just like any other organ in our body -- we need to take good care of it. This is especially true for those of us in our golden years of life over age 65.

And just like the rest of our physical well-being, we need to take steps to maintain our brain health as we age. Living a healthy life that includes activities good for our brains will help keep our memory sharp and prevent cognitive decline. Plus, adopting activities and hobbies that benefit our brain health are also good for the rest of our body.

Here are three easy ways seniors can strengthen their brain health.

Keep learning

One of the most effective ways at preventing memory loss and other aspects of cognitive decline is by keeping yourself busy learning in your retirement years. This doesn’t mean you have to learn a second language, but rather engage in activities that involve challenging your brain to do things it hasn’t done before.

Starting a new hobby is a fun way to learn new things and keep yourself sharp. One study found that seniors who took up quilting or digital photography showed improved memory activity. The point here is that challenging your brain is key for brain health as we age. Scientists think this is because those activities stimulate communication between our brain cells.

The sky is the limit for activities here: from reading, taking up bridge, writing, starting a class, even doing puzzles and crosswords and writing. Don’t hesitate to start something new today.

Exercise

Physical activity is increasingly recognized as key to maintaining our bodies and a healthy brain. The benefits of exercise are wide-ranging, improving our physical strength, balance, energy levels, mental health and helping prevent chronic diseases.

And the science is strong for the link between exercise and brain health. Studies have discovered exercise helps our brain maintain old connections and form new ones, and improves the areas of our brains that are key for memory and learning.

A recommended and low-impact exercise plan is to focus on aerobic activity. This is easy to pick up and can involve low- and moderate-intensity activities like brisk walking, biking, swimming, jogging and even dancing. Aim to engage in this kind of exercise at least three days a week, with a goal of 2 ½ hours a week total of moderate-intensity exercise.

Eat a healthy diet

The connection between a proper diet and improved cognitive health and capabilities is strong and well-researched. There are many benefits to a healthy diet, but the role it has in improving our brains is not as widely known as it should be.

Harvard University notes that a diet delivering the right nutrients and vitamins our brains need is key, and one great change to make here is by incorporating a Mediterranean style diet into what you eat. This means more fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts and unsaturated oils and less red meat, salt and processed food.

This diet will also positively affect your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, which are all key factors in preventing diseases such as diabetes that in turn affect the risk of dementia and cognitive decline. Plus, it’s very tasty and easy to adopt!

At Sundial Lakeview Retirement Residence, we make your health a top priority. Our community features a range of healthy living options that are ready for you.

For example, our dining room provides balanced and healthy meals to support your physical and brain health, while our programming features activities, hobbies and outings that are not only fun, but good for your body, brain and emotional well-being. It’s easy to pick up a puzzle or card game in our games room. And of course Sundial Lakeview also provides a well-equipped exercise room that takes away an excuse stopping you from starting a low-impact exercise regime and reaching that goal of 2 ½ hours’ aerobic exercise weekly.
If you would like to experience Sundial living, please do not hesitate to book your complimentary tour today and discover what makes us Orillia’s best retirement home.