It is natural for seniors to have concerns about golden years cognition. A study by Columbia University found that almost 10% of American adults aged 65 or older have dementia. Additionally, 22% have mild cognitive impairment.
While there is currently no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, there are several things we can do to reduce our risk. These include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in stimulating cognitive activities.
In this article, we will focus on how to do right by your brain as you enter the golden years. We will explore the role cognitive activities play and how the right senior living community can support senior mental fitness.
Mental Vitality for Seniors: The Challenges
Cognitive health is essential because it affects every part of our lives. From the moment we get up in the morning, we must make numerous small decisions that require cognitive skills. We also rely on our memories to guide us through social interactions.
As we get older, our brain health can be affected by many factors.
Brain Injuries
Almost 800,000 people suffer a stroke every year in the United States. While strokes can happen at any age, almost 75% happen after the age of 60. It is quite common to have some cognitive impairment or memory loss after a stroke.
Many seniors also suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) during falls or other accidents. There are different levels of TBIs and not all result in cognitive decline.
Mood Disorders
Seniors who experience mood disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, may be more likely to suffer cognitive decline. However, your healthcare provider may be able to advise you on medications and therapies that could help to reduce cognitive impairment caused by mood disorders.
Effect of Aging
A study entitled Normal Cognitive Aging highlighted that the speed at which we perform cognitive activities reduces as we age. This is normal and begins relatively early – during the third decade of our lives. However, the older we get, this can start to impact the following areas:
- Verbal fluency
- Attention span
- Memory
- Visuospatial abilities
These age-related cognitive changes do not necessarily impact an older person’s ability to carry out their daily activities. However, some complex activities, such as driving, may become more challenging.
It’s clear that several factors can impact seniors’ cognitive function. The good news is that even if we have been diagnosed with a memory condition, such as dementia, cognitive activities, and other healthy lifestyle choices can help us keep our brains as active as possible.
Top Cognitive Health Tips
We may all experience a little slowing of cognitive processing as well get older, but it doesn’t have to interfere with our daily lives. The following tips can help us keep our brains as healthy as possible so we can enjoy a full life for as long as possible.
Eat Healthily
It’s important to eat a balanced diet focusing on fruits, vegetables, lean sources of protein, such as fish and poultry, and low-fat dairy products. The MIND diet has been linked with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive decline. It focuses on whole grains, vegetables, nuts, legumes, berries, and olive oil.
Stay Physically Active
There is a strong link between being physically active and keeping our brains healthy. Physical activity in late middle age can help people’s brains turn glucose into fuel more quickly, which is associated with a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
How much exercise should seniors get? The US government advises getting at least 2.5 hours per week. This can take various forms that are suitable for your age and fitness level.
Why not start with walking or some chair exercises? Fitness classes can also help. One of the major benefits of living in a senior living community is having an activity calendar full of fun activities that can get you moving.
Get Sufficient Sleep
Getting enough sleep can be challenging for seniors, especially those with long-term health conditions. However, we can do many practical things to make it more likely we’ll enjoy restful sleep. These include:
- Going to bed and getting up at the same time each day
- Putting away our devices and not watching TV for some time before going to sleep
- Having a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading, listening to relaxing music, or taking a warm bath/shower
If you are managing health conditions, your healthcare provider may have specific suggestions tailored to your situation.
Enjoy Stimulating Cognitive Activities
When you think of cognitive activities for seniors, do you think of jigsaws, puzzles, Sudoku, chess, and board games? These activities can certainly play their part. They challenge our brains and help us to stay engaged and focused.
However, cognitive activities also include the arts. Dance, creative writing, painting, drawing, music, and theater stimulate our brains and are great for senior mental fitness! They also enrich our lives, adding color and fun.
Our golden years are a great opportunity to take up new hobbies or rediscover old ones. These cognitive activities can provide just the stimulation our brains need to stay healthy.
How Senior Living Communities Support Aging Brain Care
Senior living communities focus on keeping residents healthy in every sense. Some of the fun activities you can enjoy include:
- Puzzles and games
- Crafts
- Armchair workouts
- Exercise classes
- Music appreciation sessions
- Quizzes
You can keep your brain sharp while having a good time with great company in a senior living community.
Discover Outstanding Senior Living at Hidden Meadows on the Ridge
If you are looking for a senior living community that provides personal care and supports mental vitality for seniors, you are in the right location. At Hidden Meadows on the Ridge, our personal care services and SHINE® Memory Care community have everything you need to thrive.
You will have a comfortable home, with all your personal care needs looked after by our dedicated staff. An engaging activity calendar, full of fun things to do and cognitive activities, supports your mental and physical well-being.
Seeing is believing! Schedule a free tour today to discover everything Hidden Meadows on the Ridge offers.