It's a no-brainer!
Supporting your brain’s health is essential for your physical and mental well-being. As people age, there are proven strategies for taking care of your mind. Brains are constantly adapting and changing day by day. The brain’s ability to creating new cells and neural connections is called neuroplasticity.
Your brain needs the proper tools to keep it running properly. Even the smallest daily habits if done consistently have the opportunity to protect your brain from early onset of and/or progression of cognitive diseases such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s. Check out some of these tips for keeping your mind young.
Sweet Dreams
Get enough sleep each night. When you sleep, it boosts your ability to think more clearly and sharp the next day. Not getting enough sleep one night, say less than six hours, can impact your ability to think clearly the next day.
Mind Games
Speaking of boosting your brain’s ability to think clearly, get gaming. This means brain games and card or board games to keep the mind sharp. When seniors don’t stimulate their brains with new information, this vital organ can deteriorate from lack of use. It’s comparable to how muscles weaken from lack of exercise.
Examples of stimulating brain games include crossword puzzles, Sudoku puzzles and card games. Many stores or newsstands carry puzzle books and games. For seniors who may be creative, adult coloring books are another brain activity.
The right fuel for the job!
The next tips are all about nutrition and exercise. Exercise increases the oxygen levels to the brain which can help keep everything running smoothly. While you may not exercise like you did at 20, the simplest activity such as walking and stretching can have such an impact. The key is to find something you like without potentially putting you in danger.
| As for nutrition, getting food with enough omega-3s such as fish and olive oil is like taking a daily multivitamin. There are studies proving the health benefits of eating leafy greens and vegetables. If you’re on a budget and fresh produce isn’t an option, try frozen or canned vegetables and even canned tuna, salmon or herring fish. Dance your heart out!Finally, keep on dancing… literally. Dancing has fantastic heart benefits and is great for mental and physical health. You can dance at a senior center, with grandkids or simply in your living room. There are also coordination benefits in addition to keeping your heart and brain healthy and stress levels down. Dance like no one is watching and just have fun. |  |
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