As people get older, one of the concerns they may have for themselves, and one that is often shared by their younger family member, is that they might suffer from memory loss and cognitive decline. It’s frightening to think they may not remember their loved ones or be able to live safely on their own. While there is no proven way to prevent dementia, there are things seniors can do to take good care of their brains and reduce the risk of suffering from memory loss. Below are 3 tips for taking care of the brain.
#1: Get Active
Research shows that engaging in exercise that gets the heart beating faster on a regular basis benefits brain health. In fact, it may reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 50 percent. Cardiovascular exercise gets blood pumping, which increases blood flow to the brain. While any exercise is beneficial, for the best results, experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week. One example of moderate intensity exercise is taking a brisk walk.
An elder care provider can encourage your loved one to be more physically active. If walking is the senior’s chosen form of exercise, an elder care provider can walk with them to prevent them from falling or getting lost. If they would rather take an exercise class, an elder care provider can drive them to it.
#2: Learn New Things
Keeping the brain busy keeps the connections in the brain healthy and the mind sharp. One way to stimulate the brain is to learn something new. Older adults may want to take a class to learn new information or a new skill. Many community colleges offer classes for seniors at a reduced rate. You can also find free seminars to attend through places like the local library. Another way to learn something new is to pick up a hobby. There are a multitude of how to videos available on the Internet that can teach your older family member everything from knitting to building a birdhouse.
An elder care provider can help the older adult to find a class to take by assisting them with an Internet search. They can also help them to sign up for the class. If the senior needs a ride to their class, an elder care provider can drive them. If the senior chooses to learn a new hobby at home, an elder care provider can drive them to the store to purchase supplies.
#3: Spend Time with Others
Social interaction is important for keeping the brain healthy. Unfortunately, some older adults have very few opportunities to spend time around other people. While your aging relative doesn’t have to spend every minute of every day with someone, they do need to have meaningful interactions with other people on a regular basis.
If your aging relative is currently spending too much time on their own, having an elder care provider visit a few times per week gives them someone to talk to. In addition, an elder care provider can assist them with getting out of the house to see even more people. An elder care provider can take them to club meetings, their place of worship, or to a volunteer position.
Sources
https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health/10_ways_to_love_your_brain
Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia—or Slowing its Progress
https://www.everydayhealth.com/dementia/preventing-dementia-can-you-ward-it-off/
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING ELDER CARE IN CLAYTON, NC, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS TODAY. CALL (919) 761-5346.