5 Ways to Boost Brain Health and Resilience for Seniors
The prevalence of Alzheimer’s and dementia cases are growing in Canada, and are expected to more than double in frequency within the next two decades. The six keys to brain health – regular exercise, healthy diet, mental stimulation, quality sleep, stress management, and an active social life – have been neglected or under-stimulated by people of all ages during the pandemic, and understandably so. Many of these key areas are not targeted during major life changes, such as retirement or during the routine yet significant stresses of aging, for different reasons. As such, the brain suffers.
Measures of protection must be taken to shield the brain from diseases, and to avoid frequent hospitalization and other health complications. Thankfully, some simple, easy lifestyle modifications can do the trick to build brain resiliency. While there are many ways, here are five easy and important ways that aging adults and seniors can boost their brain health and brain resilience against disease.
Three seniors playing chess in the park
1) Play Games
Ironically, many games aren’t only “fun and games”, as the saying goes. Playing stimulating mental, strategy, or word games do wonders for the brain. Games such as chess, checkers, puzzles (jigsaw, crosswords, word searches, Sudoku), Mahjong, card games, and even video games in moderation are excellent ways to stimulate your brain. Such games maintain and sharpen your senses, reflexes, and skills like math, hearing, hand-eye coordination, memory, critical thinking, and more. Many digital versions of these games exist as free apps or computer games, so you don’t have to go out of your way to buy them.
Additionally, chronic stress impairs the brain and increases the risk of cognitive diseases. Games such as these are thus helpful for stress relief and brain protection. Regularly playing stimulating games ultimately stimulates and challenges your brain, preventing or making you less likely to develop Alzheimer’s and dementia.
2) Remain Socially Connected
As humans are social beings, adequate socialization is essential for brain health and resilience. Socializing often increases your lifespan due to its effects on mental wellbeing and cognitive health. You exercise your critical thinking skills and memory by speaking to familiar people – family and friends – and comparing perspectives and anecdotes. You even practice your own language and can learn another one with a friend or family member, which is another great way to boost brain health. But most of all, connecting with others makes us happy and reminds us of life’s wonders. You can stay connected in real life, through social media, or via hobbies and classes.
3) Pay Attention to Physical Health
Physical, mental, and emotional health are connected, and neglecting one causes problems in the other. Eating and exercising well is crucial for good cognitive health. Physical exercise is said to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by 50%, and a healthy diet with minimal fatty, overly sugary foods is necessary for proper brain functioning. Our caregivers are trained to cook well-balanced meals for you and tailor them to your unique needs or restrictions. They can also help you remain active by accompanying you on daily walks, or watching over you to ensure that you exercise safely.
A nutritious, well-balanced salad with lots of greens
4) Read, Read, Read
Reading is like magic for the brain. It is stimulating brain food; it improves empathy, compassion, creativity, memory, grammar, vocabulary, sleep, concentration, critical thinking, intelligence, happiness, and even decreases stress and boredom. All of these advantages of reading make it an incredibly stimulating activity, and one of the best ways to enhance brain health and resiliency in old age.
5) Get Enough Sleep
In the age of the Internet, too many people overlook sleep. Aging adults and seniors over the age of 65 need 7-8 hours of sleep per night to function properly, which doesn’t happen as often as it should. Sleep is like a ‘reset button’; it is a momentary break from the worries occupying your mind during the day, making it necessary to improve brain functioning, memory, and learning capacities, and reduce stress. Habitually sleeping well can stave off dementia and Alzheimer’s, fatigue, depression, and anxiety, making you a happier and more well-rested person.
A cozy looking bed surrounded by plants
Incorporating any or all of these activities into your life are vital for brain health. You will notice an incredible difference after just a few days of these simple lifestyle modifications. For more information on this topic, read our article on preventing Alzheimer’s and dementia, and be sure to visit our Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest for more information on senior health and our home care services.