As we age, our brain changes. These changes in our brain affect our thinking and memory even in healthy older adults. But there’s a chance that we can slow down the brain aging process by doing simple things.
Let’s talk about cognitive health in seniors in this blog.
What Is Cognitive Health
The definition of cognitive health is our ability to think, learn, and remember. It is a very important component in performing our daily activities. Keep in mind that it is just one aspect of our overall brain health.
What Is Brain Health
Brain health pertains to how well an individual’s brain function across several aspects of brain health areas.
This includes the following functions:
● Cognitive health – how reasonably you think, learn and recognize.
● Motor function – how well you create and control body movements, including balance.
● Emotional function – how well you analyze and react to emotions.
● Tactile function – how well you sense and react to senses of touch, these include pain, discomfort, and temperature
It can be affected by age-related shifts in the brain, injuries including stroke or traumatic brain injury, depression, substance addiction, and illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease. While some factors affecting brain health cannot be altered, multiple lifestyle shifts can make a difference.
How Seniors Can Take Care Of Their Cognitive Health
Physical Health
Make sure to take good care of your physical health. Have a regular check-up with your healthcare provider. Ask them about the medicines that you are taking, and know the possible side effects on your sleep, memory, and brain function.
Chronic health issues like diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels should be managed accordingly. Always try to try to have your recommended health screenings.
Get proper and enough sleep every night.
High Blood Pressure
Managed and monitor your blood pressure. Managing your blood pressure is not only good for your heart but also for your brain too. Based on a study, high blood pressure in the 40s and ’60s of age may increase the chance of cognitive deterioration later in life. Lowering blood pressure can lower the chance for mild cognitive impairment, which is a risk factor for dementia.
Eat The Right And Healthy Foods
Having a healthy diet can help reduce the risk not just of multiple chronic ailments such as heart disease or diabetes but it may also aid in keeping your brain healthy. A healthy diet for seniors may include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. You should also consider limiting sugar, and salt. Make sure to drink lots of water and other fluids like natural juices.
Be Active
Being physically active, like performing exercises, doing household chores and other daily activities has a lot of benefits and can help you. It can improve and keep your strength as you age, have more energy, can improve your balance, and prevent other illnesses. It can also boost your mood which can prevent depression. Studies show that performing physical activity benefits the brain and cognitive function as well.
Maintain An Active Mind
Keeping your mind active may benefit your brain. Individuals who engage in meaningful activities, like volunteering or performing hobbies, feel happier and healthier. Discovering new skills may enhance also your thinking ability.
Tons of activities may keep your mind active. Try reading books and magazines, playing games, or learning a new skill or hobby may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s-related mental impairment and dementia. And it’s fun too!
Social Activities
Staying connected with other people through social activities can keep your brain functioning and will help you feel less isolated and more engaged. It may lower the chance of some health issues and improve your well-being. Individuals who engage in productive activities with others tend to live longer, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose. Based on some studies these actions seem to aid in maintaining their well-being and may enhance their mental function.
Stress Management
Stress is a natural aspect of life. Short-term stress can help us to concentrate on our thoughts and encourage us to take measures. But chronic stress can alter the brain, affect recollection, and may raise the chance of Alzheimer’s dementia.
Regular exercise, writing a journal, practicing relaxation techniques, and staying positive in life are great ways to manage stress and a great help to your cognitive health.
Remember, A Healthy Lifestyle Is Good For Your Cognitive Health
Always remember, age is just a number and it shouldn’t determine who you are. Being assertive about cognitive health will allow you to stay sharp and avert age-related cognitive decline.