For many years, a large percentage of healthcare professionals believed cognitive decline was an inevitable part of the aging process. While some memory loss is completely natural, there are quite a few things seniors can do to boost their cognitive health. With a few lifestyle changes and some hard work, older adults can trigger the production of healthy new brain cells and synapses.
1. Learn New Skills
One of the best things older adults can do for their memory is learn new skills. When learning a skill, the brain builds new connections, and those connections boost overall memory. Some of the skills seniors might want to learn include programming computers, working on a vehicle, or playing an instrument. Skills that require the use of the hands may be especially beneficial because they stimulate multiple areas of the brain at once.
Getting regular mental stimulation can lead to a higher quality of life in the golden years. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust Huntsville in-home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life.
2. Socialize Often
A team of researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health recently carried out a study on socializing and cognitive health. The study revealed that staying socially active can boost memory skills and minimize the risk of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s. In addition to socializing with family members, seniors should also try to meet with peers who share their interests. Many senior centers regularly host socials where older adults can interact with one another in a safe and comfortable environment.
Seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can especially benefit from regular socialization with professional caregivers. For dementia care Huntsville, AL, families can count on, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our compassionate caregivers use revolutionary memory care programs to help seniors stave off the progression of dementia, and they can also assist with a wide variety of important everyday tasks, including bathing, grooming, exercise, and cooking.
3. Get More Sleep
In certain stages of the sleep cycle, the body flushes out clumps of protein and other unnecessary molecules. When those clumps aren’t flushed away, they can impact many different cognitive skills, including memory. Seniors who have difficulty sleeping should speak with a doctor about undergoing a sleep study. During one of those studies, a specialist can look over the senior’s vitals to see what could be affecting his or her sleep.
4. Exercise
The mind is closely tied to the rest of the body, which is one of the reasons exercising is so good for mental and psychological health. Most experts agree that relatively healthy seniors should try to try to exercise for around 30 or 45 minutes per day. While lifting weights and engaging in cardio workouts are ideal, anything that raises the heart rate can be beneficial.
5. Eat Well
Sticking to a healthy diet is another important step in this process. An ongoing nutritional deficiency can have a huge impact on memory, and the brain won’t function properly if it doesn’t have the proper fuel. For the average senior, a nutrient-dense diet filled with healthy fats, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates is the best option. Older adults should also avoid processed sugar, saturated fats, and any other ingredients that can cause general inflammation.
Elder care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. To schedule a free in-home consultation, call us today at (256) 716-9940.