How Seniors Can Protect Brain Health

Like any part of the body, the brain changes over time. Seniors can protect their brain health both physically and mentally.

Since the brain wears with age, it’s normal for seniors to have small memory lapses. However, more significant brain issues can also develop. That’s why it is important for seniors to protect their brain health physically—and by staying sharp.

How to Protect the Brain Using Physical Strategies

The brain is an organ. Just like other organs, it’s affected by things like your blood pressure and what you eat. Seniors can decrease their risk of brain-related diseases like dementia by taking care of their brains physically.

Important parts of physically protecting brain health include:

Not smoking or drinking excessively
Exercising regularly
Eating a healthy diet with omega-3 fatty acids
Maintaining a healthy cholesterol and weight
Managing blood pressure problems and stress
Stimulating the brain’s functions
Sleeping normal hours and durations

Benefits of a Healthy Brain

Having a healthy brain has its benefits, especially for seniors. Benefits include:

A sense of purpose
Greater independence
Improved memory
Reduced risk of depression
Decreased boredom
A more positive mood
Increased concentration

Tips for Stimulating the Brain to Stay Sharp

Brains need to stay active to remain healthy. Stimulation is essential for the physical brain health of seniors. It also improves mental wellness, decreasing the risk of depression. Use these tips to stay sharp:

Complete puzzles and mentally-challenging games
Stay engaged socially
Learn new things independently or through classes
Add variety to routines
Use all 5 senses regularly
Switch hands for basic tasks
Have fun while exercising the brain

Sometimes activating the brain feels challenging. But, most of the time, it’s just part of having fun and challenging yourself to stay creative and try new things. Brain stimulation is most effective if it’s interesting to seniors.

Care for the Mind Too

Protecting brain health is about more than memory—seniors are at a greater risk for depression. Staying sharp can add purposefulness to senior’s lives, decreasing the chance of depression. However, it is also important for seniors to mentally relax and de-stress. Encourage seniors to meditate, reflect on positive memories, and deal with emotions like sadness or loneliness.

If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.

Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.

Sources:

Carol Pardue-Spears

Carol has worked in the healthcare field for more than forty years. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, she worked for El Camino Hospital in the cardiac unit, Los Gatos Community Hospital, The Women’s Cancer Center in Los Gatos and several home health and hospice agencies. Carol founded Family Matters in 2002 to fill a deficit she witnessed in high-quality, in-home services and care.