“A mind is a terrible thing to waste,” Arthur Fletcher famously said. But it doesn’t have to waste away over time. Just like regular exercise for the body keeps the muscles and joints working smoothly, regular exercise for the brain keeps it functioning at its best. The brain is capable of creating new cells and neural connections if you continue to challenge it. Here are some of the things you can do as a senior to keep your mind working at the optimum level.
Eat Well
Eating a balanced diet takes care of a lot of health issues in general. Avoiding junk food, greasy food, and food with high sugar content is essential. As one ages, the metabolism struggles to keep up because it’s no longer what it used to be. Foods that contain nutrients that are good for the brain should be a part of your diet: lots of green leafy vegetables, foods rich in omega-3s and fish oil, olive oil, nuts, grains, and legumes.
Exercise
Exercise is crucial at every age, but it becomes especially important for seniors. Exercise increases oxygen intake, which in turn reaches the brain. It helps manage stress, releases endorphins, and encourages restful sleep. Exercises like aerobics and resistance training have shown positive results in the brain for people over the age of 50.
A Good Sleep Cycle
Sleep is when the body recovers from the rigors of the day. It’s also when new information is stored in the brain in the form of memory. A consistent sleep cycle is one of the best things we can do for our brains.
Play Games
Cognitive games, word games, puzzles, Sudoku, crosswords, are all not only addictive and a great way to pass the time, but they will also help you improve memory and brain function.
Start a Book Club
Reading is an excellent habit; it improves vocabulary, makes you a better writer, and imparts new information. Choose a book for each week with a group of friends and set aside a day to discuss it. This will encourage reading great books, discussing the book will strengthen memory, and it will be a chance to spend some time with friends and good food.
Master a New Skill
Teach yourself a new skill. This can be art, a musical instrument, dancing, handicrafts, or learning a new recipe. YouTube has countless videos on every subject, and there are several online courses available as well.
Improve Your Memory
The brain is a muscle, and it requires exercise and stimulation. So, eat well, exercise, get restful sleep, play brain-stimulating games, read, and keep learning new skills. Your brain will thank you. At Visiting Angels, we understand the importance of the little things that add to the big picture, like following a meal plan and a timetable that includes all the activities that are beneficial for a healthy brain.
Whether you require senior home care, companion care, personal care, or respite care, Visiting Angels cares for you!. Give us a call today!