Cognitive health is an essential part of performing everyday activities and becomes increasingly important as we get older. According to the National Institute on Aging, our brains control many aspects of thinking, remembering, planning, organizing and making decisions. As we age, our brains physically change. In fact, certain parts of the brain can actually shrink, especially those that control learning and mental activities. Prioritizing our brain health is a critical part of healthy aging. That’s why Brain Health is one of our core building blocks at Maplewood Senior Living. Our communities offer lifelong learning opportunities, superfoods and fitness classes to help support a positive mindset and active living throughout our residents’ journey.
Brain health is commonly used to refer to mental clarity and cognition, however the term encapsulates a wide range of brain functions, all of which need to be maintained in order to age well. According to the National Institute on Aging, brain health refers to how well a person’s brain functions across several different areas. These aspects of brain health include:
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the CNN Chief Medical Correspondent and practicing neurosurgeon, has been studying the brain for decades. In his newest book, “12 Weeks to a Sharper You: A Guided Program,” Dr. Gupta explores the factors related to brain health and discusses how we can strengthen our brain function in simple and effective ways. Our brain health guide provides in-depth steps and solutions to cultivate a healthier brain, as outlined by Dr. Gupta’s 6 keys to staying sharp:
Research suggests that making small changes to your daily routine, including changes in your diet and social life, can help your brain function better for longer. These changes can also improve your memory and decrease your risk of developing memory related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Growing research suggests these factors have the most impact on brain health:
Our brains and bodies are deeply connected. In fact, our overall brain health is significantly impacted by our physical health. Eating a balanced diet is important for mental clarity and longevity, however, there are a few specialized diets that are linked to improved brain health and a decreased risk of memory loss.
The Mediterranean diet is based on traditional foods that people used to eat in countries like Italy and Greece. Researchers have noted that these people were exceptionally healthy and had a lowered risk of many lifestyle diseases. The Mediterranean diet is focused heavily on fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, breads, fish, seafood and extra virgin olive oil. Another notable diet is the DASH diet, which was created to reduce blood pressure but also offers many other health benefits. It keeps a closer eye on sodium levels, with the standard DASH diet encouraging 2,300 mg or less per day.
Combined, these two diets create the MIND diet. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is great evidence that diet can improve brain health, in addition to potentially lowering cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. This diet highlights in the importance of vegetables, berries, nuts, olive oil, plant-based meals, and one glass of red wine per day.
We all know exercise is important for our physical health, but you might be surprised to learn that physical exercise is also linked to brain health. In fact, recent studies suggest that the activities you do to improve your body can also benefit your brain. According to the Cleveland Clinic, physical activity can benefit the brain by promoting cardiovascular health, improving blood flow to the brain, reducing inflammation and lower levels of stress hormones. To reap the brain benefits of exercise, experts suggest aiming for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as walking, biking, or swimming, per week.
Just as we exercise to keep our bodies sharp, we can exercise to keep our brains sharp. Brain exercises use structured cognitive activities to improve and maintain brain performance. We can keep our brains active by learning a new language, taking up a new hobby, such as quilting or learning a new instrument. Jigsaw puzzles, card games, and even taking a new route to the grocery store or a friend’s house can stimulate the brain. However, the key to cognitive training is consistency. So, make sure to choose an activity you find interesting enough to do each day.
Social isolation and loneliness can have a profound impact on one’s physical and mental wellbeing. In fact, research has shown that those who are socially isolated can experience cognitive decline, chronic illness, and depression. Humans are naturally social creatures and it is important for us, at any age, to remain connected with peers, family, and friends throughout our lives. Adults who are socially active typically have better cognitive function while people who feel lonely tend to experience faster cognitive loss. This can get more difficult as you age and it is important to actively find ways to remain socially engaged.
How can you avoid getting isolated or lonely? Here are some things to consider:
At Maplewood Senior Living, our communities support brain health and overall wellness with everything we do. Through our comprehensive dining options, exercise classes, support groups, and robust activity schedule, our goal is to help each resident live a healthy, independent lifestyle. In addition, our care teams work to help each resident either regain or maintain independence by challenging them and inspiring them to live an active and healthy lifestyle. To learn more about our offerings or to schedule a tour, please contact us.
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