When people grow older, it is natural for their cognitive abilities to drop. However, certain things like keeping physically, mentally, and socially active, as well as keeping to a healthy diet can help to slow down cognitive decline in older adults. Cognitive deterioration includes impairments to processing speed, attention span, remembering information, memory, and problem-solving skills. If the cognitive decline is progressive and rapid, it could be an indicator of dementia. At senior living communities like TerraBella Southern Pines, we offer a wide range of activities that help stimulate the physical body and the mind. Read on to find out some methods of improving seniors’ cognitive skills.
Playing Brain Games and other Social Activities
Aging adults that are sociable and regularly engage with others through support groups or church groups are better able to improve their mental wellbeing or maintain their cognitive level. Engaging in activities that require brain juice, such as bridge or chess can help practice the working memory of an older adult, and test their reasoning skills. As such, they tend to have better reasoning abilities and working memories as compared to others. Other games that can train the brain include sudoku and crossword puzzles.
Exercising Regularly
Another way for aging adults to improve their cognitive skills is to exercise regularly and engage in physical activities. Physical activity can help to lift the oxygen levels and blood flow to the brain, and over time this can reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive decline. If your loved one is currently living a sedentary lifestyle, encourage them to do some light activities such as dancing, gardening, and brisk walking. Research has shown that the combination of cognitive stimulation exercises like brain games and physical activity can show a significant impact on the overall mental health and cognitive well-being of older adults.
Good Nutrition and Healthy Diet
It is especially important for older adults to have a healthy diet and good nutrition. Since older adults tend to have a smaller appetite, it is even more important for them to consume food that has high nutritional values. For instance, keeping to a Mediterranean diet which comprises vegetables, fish, and fruits, as well as limiting the intake of refined carbohydrates, sugars, and red meat can have a profound effect on older adults.
Certain vitamins like vitamin B12 and B6 also have an important role to play in reducing dementia and cognitive decline and should be incorporated into the diets of aging adults whenever possible.
If you are currently caring for an aging adult that shows early signs of memory-related conditions, you should start making healthy changes in their lifestyle to slow down the cognitive decline. You can also consider memory care communities. At TerraBella Southern Pines, we have a wide range of amenities and activities to keep your loved ones stimulated both mentally and physically. Our community is also monitored round the clock, which means that we provide a high level of security and safety. Feel free to contact us to find out more about what we have to offer today!
