As you age, your brain changes. The structure of the organ itself can change, and so can its function. There’s no question that this is a normal part of aging; it happens to everyone. While some changes are minor, others might cause memory loss or other symptoms that affect your quality of life. In this article, we’ll discuss how lifestyle choices can help keep your brain healthy as you age in senior apartments in Blythewood, SC.
Exercise Can Do More Than Tone Your Body
Exercise can be a great way to keep your body in shape, but it’s also an effective way to keep your brain healthy. Regular exercise has been shown to increase blood flow and oxygenation, which means that more nutrients will be delivered throughout the body. This leads to better mental clarity and fewer anxiety and depression symptoms at any age.
In addition, regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight which is important because being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our bodies become less efficient at burning calories as we age, so even small weight increases can lead to more significant problems!
Eat A Balanced Diet For Effective Brain Functioning
A balanced diet is one of the primary keys to maintaining brain health as you age. A healthy diet can help prevent or slow down the effects of aging on the brain, including memory loss and another mental decline. It also reduces your risk for dementia and other cognitive function-related diseases.
For example, studies show that eating fish at least once per week has been linked to better cognitive performance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In addition, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish have been shown to improve language skills when taken as pills or supplements by people with MCI.
Get Enough Sleep And Rest
One of the best things you can do for your brain is to get enough sleep. Sleep helps to restore the brain and body, and it helps to ward off cognitive decline. Sleep is also essential for memory formation, so if you need to get enough of it, it will be harder for your brain to retain information from day-to-day tasks like paying bills or remembering where you put your keys.
If this sounds like something that might be affecting your ability to stay sharp as a senior citizen in an apartment community, then consider making changes that will help improve how much restful sleep you get at night:
Aim for seven hours per night (the amount recommended by doctors). If that seems impossible due to work schedules or other commitments outside of home life (like taking care of children), try going without electronics after 6 pm, so they don’t keep drawing attention away from bedtime routines like reading books before bedtime; this includes television sets too!
Deal With Chronic Health Conditions
You may be living with a chronic health condition or have had one. If so, it’s important to talk with your doctor about any side effects of your medication and how they might affect your memory. Your doctor can help you find ways to manage these issues by adjusting the dosage or changing medications altogether.
Engage Socially
Engaging socially is one of the best ways to keep your mind sharp. As you age, staying connected with friends and family is important. Try participating in activities promoting interaction with others, such as visiting a museum or going for walks together. You can also join clubs or volunteer at a local charity organization where you’ll meet new people from all walks of life.
Conclusion
It’s always possible to start taking care of your brain. With simple lifestyle changes and regular exercise, you can keep your mind sharp and healthy for years.