Prioritizing brain health is crucial as you move into your retirement years. As you age, cognitive abilities, such as memory and problem-solving, tend to decline. You can delay this decline by participating in memory support programs that promote brain function.
Incorporating just one brain-friendly habit each day can help you remain cognitively healthy and keep your mind sharp. Taking steps to invest in your cognitive longevity can also improve your mood, boost your overall well-being, and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory loss.
This blog provides several tips for maintaining brain health in senior living.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exercise provides a range of benefits to seniors, including:
These benefits are because physical exercise can change the way your brain functions. For instance, exercise can improve blood flow to the brain and promote the growth of new brain cells.
The good news is that you don’t need to exercise for hours a day to achieve these benefits. A daily fitness routine of just 15-20 minutes can greatly affect your overall brain health.
One of the easiest ways to incorporate physical exercise into your daily routine is to participate in fitness classes at your senior living community, such as yoga or Pilates. You can also use the community’s fitness center, take dance lessons, or participate in any other programs that get you up and moving. Joining a walking club or playing a few rounds of golf each week is a great way to get exercise, enjoy the fresh air, and boost vitamin D levels.
Always consult with your physician before starting any new fitness program. Your doctor can help you choose which activities are right for you.
Playing games is another great way to promote brain health and keep your mind sharp. Many games force your brain to focus on cognitive functions, such as concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making.
You can play a wide range of games with your family, friends, or other residents, such as checkers, chess, dominoes, and Scrabble. Encourage your loved ones to bring board games when they come to visit. This allows you to enjoy your visit while simultaneously boosting your brain health.
There are also plenty of brain games you can play yourself, including putting a puzzle together, completing a crossword or Sudoku puzzle, or playing solitaire. You don’t even need to keep a stash of games and puzzles in your suite. You can simply pull out your smartphone or tablet to find numerous game apps that promote cognitive functioning, such as word games, virtual puzzles, and coloring pages.
Many seniors are at risk for increased feelings of isolation and depression. Studies show this lack of social connection can increase a person’s risk of memory loss by 40%. One of the prime benefits of senior living communities is the opportunity to connect with other residents frequently.
Check out your community’s resident calendar to find events and programs most appealing to you. Participating in these helps you meet other residents and make the most of each day. You can also invite your loved ones to community events and holiday parties.
While participating in community events is a crucial first step, consider extending your options to the surrounding areas. Learn more about nearby programs and events, such as fairs, festivals, theaters, museums, and botanical gardens.
Lifetime learning is key to maintaining brain health for seniors. It makes sense to gravitate toward games, hobbies, and programs that are familiar to you. However, learning something new stimulates the brain in ways familiar activities cannot. It can help strengthen neural connections in your brain, enhance memory, and trigger dopamine release, improving mood and motivation levels.
Consider taking up a new hobby, such as learning a new language or playing an instrument. There are plenty of online tutorials to teach these new skills. You can also expand the types of board games you play. Other options include taking a class, attending a workshop, or listening to a lecture.
Make the most of your retirement years by making brain health a top priority. Spending just 15-20 minutes a day playing a game, staying physically active, socializing with friends, and learning something new can go a long way toward keeping your mind sharp.
At The Landing Alexandria, we offer memory support brain exercises, fitness classes, and lifetime learning opportunities to our Memory Support residents with dementia and other memory disorders. Call The Landing at (571) 568-7621 for more information or to book an appointment today.
