As we age, mental sharpness and cognitive health becomes increasingly important. Memory lapses can occur at any age, but aging is not usually the cause of cognitive decline. The good news is you can maintain mental sharpness and cognitive health with a few good habits.
Physical Activity Reduces Senior Moments
According to AARP, regular exercise is healthy for your heart and blood vessels. It increases blood flow to the brain, promotes the growth of new brain cells and improves communication between neurons. In short, being active helps prevent cognitive disease. Most any kind of activity does the brain and body good. For seniors, go ahead and let off steam at the gym, swim a few laps, or center yourself with yoga. At Horizon House, you can join the BEAM program to keep your body and mind in top shape and senior moments at bay.
Lifelong Learning Keeps the Brain Engaged as You Age
According to Harvard Medical School, being a perennial student should be a lifelong goal. Experts believe that challenging your brain with mental exercise can help maintain individual brain cells and actively prevent cerebral atrophy. Take that class, learn another language, and use a brand-new technology; it’s good for you.
If you’re considering moving into a retirement community, find one with a focus on knowledge and learning opportunities. Horizon House retirement community in Seattle has over 60 resident committees and groups engaged in interests that encourage exploration, curiosity, and learning. You’ll find academic lectures, talks with civic leaders, and fascinating group discussions to stimulate your brain.
Social Engagement and Independent Living
Social engagement has a profound influence on our mental acuity throughout our lives. According to the University of Washington Memory and Brain Wellness Center, people who are more socially connected live longer and have better physical, mental, and cognitive health outcomes. On the flip side, chronic loneliness increases the risk of dementia in older adults by 50%. Seniors who have chosen to live in an independent retirement community do so for the array of community-based activities, clubs, and ease of socializing. Retirement living isn’t about giving up your independence, but more about increasing your access to community.
Food Choices and Senior Brain Health
A healthy diet is known to play a vital role in cognitive function. Making smart food choices is good throughout life, but especially for those who want to retain their mental sharpness in retirement years. A study published in the Journal Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy shows people who had healthy diets over the course of 10 years retained stronger episodic and visuospatial working memory than those who didn’t. When choosing what to eat, opt for fish, nuts, olive oil, leafy greens, berries, beans and legumes. The good news is that senior living communities offer a wide array of food choices for residents, making it easier to make good food choices as you age.
The Importance of Sleep
Newborn babies sleep up to 17 hours a day, in part to foster brain development and cognition. According to the National Council on Aging, sleep is equally important for seniors. Your brain needs sleep to regulate your body, restore energy, and repair damage. Without at least six hours of sleep a night, you're left more vulnerable to dementia, stroke-related brain changes, and other health conditions that accelerate aging and make it difficult to safely age in place. Good night and sleep tight!
Wherever you live and whatever your age, consider incorporating these strategies into your daily routine to help keep your mind active and healthy. You’ll enjoy a higher quality of life for years to come. Are you ready to join a vibrant independent senior community in Seattle? Contact Horizon House for a tour today.
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