If you’ve ever struggled to find a word in conversation or lost your keys more than once, you may assume you’ve developed a mental or physical condition. While the brain does change with age, and some of those changes affect function, there are ways to stay sharp. Here, we’ll show you how to protect your brain and body health with age.
Controlling Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels
High blood pressure and cholesterol levels increase the risk of stroke and heart disease, which may lead to changes in thinking and memory. In an independent living community, it’s easy to follow a healthy diet, stay physically active, and get the medical care you need to keep these risk factors under control.
Avoiding Tobacco and Alcohol
Excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption increases dementia risk, according to information from the Alzheimer’s Association. If you’re a smoker, quit; drinkers should do so in moderation. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink for women.
Exercising the Mind and Body Regularly
Regular exercise is believed to maintain circulation to the brain, which reduces the risk of issues linked to memory loss. Not only can frequent workouts potentially increase brain size, but they may also delay the onset of dementia and other health conditions. Mental and physical movement are medicine!
Eating Right
We are what we eat, and diet makes a significant difference in memory and overall health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and other nutrients are linked to a decreased risk of cognitive decline, and high-fat diets increase the risk of memory loss. While it’s always best to seek medical advice, a diet full of fruits, green vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can improve mental and physical health with age.
Socializing
Forming new friendships and nurturing existing relationships is good for the mind. Social isolation is linked to a decrease in brain size and a higher risk of dementia, but regular visits with friends and family can help keep your mind sharp as you get older.
Getting Enough Sleep
While every senior’s sleep needs differ, most older people need six to eight hours per night—and poor sleep can lead to decreased mental and physical health. As we sleep, our brains “flush out” beta amyloid and other harmful substances that may increase dementia risk. Get a good night’s sleep and wake up with a clear mind!
Getting Help
Though the steps we’ve listed can help us stay sharp as we age, they cannot reverse dementia’s effects, which may include:
- Repeating questions
- Mixing up words in conversation
- Getting lost while driving or walking in familiar areas
- Unexplained behavior and mood changes
If you are experiencing cognitive symptoms that affect your daily life, seek medical advice.
The Bottom Line
Staying physically and intellectually active, maintaining friendships and family connections, getting enough sleep, and eating a sensible diet can boost mental and physical health, but these steps aren’t a cure-all. If your thinking and memory have changed due to age, your physician can offer advice, recommendations, and next steps.
In our senior living community, we believe in keeping the mind and body healthy. Learn more about us online or reach out to us for a no-obligation tour.
