Wondering how to stay mentally sharp in your golden years? It’s normal to be curious about how aging will affect your cognitive processes, and the good news is that you can do plenty to keep your brain healthy and active throughout retirement and beyond. With a good mix of mental and physical activities and a few lifestyle tweaks, you can help keep your brain healthy and spry.
Exercising Your Brain
Cognitive abilities naturally change with age. And although you can’t control how your genes might affect your brain health, you can take some proactive steps to preserve and improve your cognitive functions. Learning how to stay mentally sharp in your golden years is a matter of understanding the different tools you can use.
Physical Activity
Did you know maintaining good cardiovascular health is associated with better cognitive functions for those over 65? Being in poor physical health increases your chances of having a health event that can affect your mental functions, such as high blood pressure or a stroke. Talk to your doctor about what kinds of physical activity are right for you.
A Healthy Diet
Your brain needs nutrients like vitamin B and omega-3 fatty acids to function correctly. You can help by eating a healthy diet of leafy vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. It’s also a good idea to avoid certain foods, like saturated fats and alcohol, as they negatively affect cognitive functions.
Stay Social
Many seniors do crossword puzzles and daily brain teasers for mental stimulation. While that is effective, maintaining an active social life can be an even better approach. Studies show that seniors with active social lives have a lower chance of developing dementia and other cognitive problems. So keep doing sudoku, but don’t miss opportunities to put yourself out there and make new friends.
Healthy Sleep
Staying active during the day can help you stay mentally sharp, but getting a good night’s sleep is just as important. Sleep is essential to healthy cognitive functions, and getting enough rest can lower your risk of developing dementia and other age-related cognitive issues. Avoid caffeine and talk to your doctor about improving your sleep hygiene if you often struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Consider Senior Living
If managing all of the items listed above by yourself seems like a challenge, senior living might be the solution you’re looking for. In a senior living community, seniors are given all the support they need to manage their physical and mental health in a supportive and social environment. With three levels of senior care available, Springhouse Village is the perfect home for any senior who wants to stay sharp and enjoy their golden years.
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Are you looking for a community where you can put your health first? Springhouse Village can support your goals with on-site activities, chef-made healthy meals, and more. Visit us and see for yourself!
At Springhouse Village, we encourage our residents to explore their interests and offer a wide range of activities and events so that there’s always something interesting happening. We make it easy for our residents to participate in our community. Whether that means encouraging residents to join an exercise class or assisting them in starting a garden club, we strive to help our residents thrive. To learn more about the amenities and services we offer, contact Springhouse Village today by sending us a message online or calling 417-708-3403.