Are worried about a mental decline in yourself or a senior member of your family? It’s a valid concern. Some seniors suffer from cognitive issues in their later years. The good news is cognitive issues don’t have to be prevalent. There are steps you can take to keep your mind sharp and working well far into your golden years. Below are a few tips to keep your brain active and engaged.
1. Stay Social
One of the best things you can do to keep your mind sharp is to stay engaged with friends, family, and others. Conversation is a great way to keep your mind active. Participating in social outings is also helpful. Many seniors lose cognitive function because they spend so much time alone. When they’re not with other people, they don’t use their minds as much as they could. You can get engagement with others by joining a senior club or even by moving into a senior living home. Senior living homes have plenty of people to socialize with and often have organized outings and activities.
2. Eat Healthy
Your diet plays a huge role not only in your brain health but your overall health. Vitamins B and E can improve your health and immune system. They’ve also been shown to boost cognitive performance. The same is true of omega-3 fatty acids. You can get these vitamins and more by eating a diet with plenty of fruits, leafy greens, and lean proteins. This is another great reason to consider living in a senior living facility. They often have rotating menus of tasty, healthy menus so you get the nutrition you need.
3. Exercise Your Brain
You probably understand the importance of exercise for your body to stay healthy and strong. Exercise is just as important for your brain, especially when you’re retired and don’t have work to keep you busy. You could take up a hobby like art or music to challenge your brain. Another option is to play any number of brain challenge games online. According to Suddenly Senior, over 28% of adults over 50 regularly use the internet. It can be a great way to keep your mind active.
Are you considering a senior living facility as a way to maintain your brain health? Contact DeSoto Palms Assisted Living Community today. We value a fun, friendly, and healthy environment for our seniors.