Many great things come with age, but we will also start to notice gradual changes in our ability to remember names, events, or where we placed our glasses. This can be frustrating – it can slow down our day or even embarrass us, but the good news is, thanks to decades of science and research, it is possible to maintain and improve cognitive fitness.
Keeping Your Mind Sharp – Start Socializing
Brain health can be measured in many ways, but the most common metric is how nimble, agile, and sharp it is. As one of the leading causes of depression in the elderly, social isolation and loneliness can become great concerns, especially with the changes in routine and environment. Plenty of research has found links between loneliness and cognitive impairment.
Providing opportunities for your loved one to engage in social activities can result in a delay in the onset of dementia and its forms. Whenever we have the most basic exchange, our brains are thinking about how to respond quickly, and that stimulates the brain. Regular engagement in social activities like participating in a club, visiting friends and relatives, and attending parties are linked to a lower risk of cognitive impairments, as it keeps our brains alert and active for extended periods.
Keeping Your Mind Sharp – Exercise the Body
Maintaining fitness through consistent exercise drastically improves health while aging, slowing the pace of damage to the brain and consequent cognitive decline. Exercise stimulates brain plasticity by encouraging the growth of new connections between cells in a wide range of critical cortical parts of your brain, on top of getting the blood and oxygen flowing to your head. Physical activity also increases growth factors in the brain, making it easier for the brain to grow new neuronal connections, allowing you to remember things more easily, solve problems quicker, and connect one idea to another.
Keeping Your Mind Sharp – Eat Right
As the control center of your body, your brain is in charge of what you think, feel, how you move, keeping your heart beating and your lungs breathing. Thus, it is wise to keep your brain health in peak condition. Aside from exercising and socializing, your diet plays a vital role in improving memory, concentration, and cognitive health. A healthy diet leads to reduced cardiovascular diseases too, which is an important mechanism for reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Nutritious foods your brain will thank you for include berries, walnuts, greens like spinach and broccoli, and those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, among many others. If you’re eating well, odds are your brain is less stressed out and is happier.
Why Choose Rittenhouse At Muhlenberg?
Choosing to reside in a senior living community can provide you with all the benefits mentioned in this article. At Rittenhouse At Muhlenberg, we offer a safe and supportive community to encourage your loved one to remain physically and mentally active alongside like-minded individuals.
If you have any inquiries about our range of services, don’t hesitate to contact us or call 610.477.3936 today.
