Brain Fitness for Seniors: Strategies to Stay Sharp

There is no running from father time, everyone will grow old at some point. However, just because the body grows, doesn’t mean people can’t keep their minds sharp. Brain fitness is not just for the young. The older people get, the more important it is to keep the mind engaged and stimulated.

The importance of brain fitness for Seniors

A proactive brain is the main strategy to battle age-related cognitive downfall or decline. Embracing brain boosters results in a healthier lifestyle physically and mentally. Stress will always be a factor for people as they grow old. That is why it is important to be mindful of what strengthens cognitive functions as you age. Brain fitness is not just about feeling young or improving your lifestyle. According to a report by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, brain fitness for seniors “helps reduce the risk of dementia and memory loss.” Brain boosters and exercises are not guaranteed methods for preventing brain diseases. However, several studies report that these activities help delay the onset of symptoms.

Brain fitness strategies for Seniors

Reading

Reading does a lot of good for anyone no matter the age. Reading is engaging the mind, learning something new, and entertaining oneself at the same time. Reading is proven to relax the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. According to a 2021 study by the American Academy of Neurology, reading and other “cognitively stimulating activities” can delay the onset of dementia by up to five years.

Healthy diet

There is a range of foods out there that can greatly boost brain health. Food with a lot of antioxidants, B vitamins, and vitamin E is beneficial to the brain. With that, there are also foods that you need to stay away from if you want to take better care of your food. Stay away from sugary drinks, fried foods, trans fats, processed or canned foods (especially meat products), and junk food. Eating healthily will improve your entire body and mental resilience. Combine a healthy diet with healthy sleep to better improve brain health.

Social interaction

Photo by Vlad Sargu on Unsplash

Social interaction is very important for seniors. It doesn’t matter if the people they interact with are young or old. There is strong value in social interaction and experiences because it engages the mind through conversation and the exchange of ideas and opinions.

Learning something new

Learning is timeless. It is never too late to better yourself by learning something new like a skill or a hobby. Seniors have a lot of experiences and they themselves can be mentors to the younger generation. But, that doesn’t mean they can’t be students themselves. Learning something new unlocks brain potential and improves brain functions such as critical thinking, memory, and decision-making.

Prevent isolation

It is never a good idea for old people to isolate themselves from people and experiences. An inactive mind is more vulnerable to faster decline. So, never ever stop yourself from engaging your mind and engaging with other people.

Your brain is one of your greatest assets. So, do the best you can to take great care of it. Then, why not share what you know about brain fitness with the next generation?