Brain-healthy habits that every senior should have are staying physically active every day, challenging their minds regularly, and prioritizing sleep and social connections. The independent living program at Morada Deer Park supports all of these habits, and beyond.
The Alzheimer's Association says that over 7 million Americans have Alzheimer's, and that the lifetime risk at age 45 is 20% for women and 10% for men. While these may be scary statistics, there are things you can proactively do to take care of your mind and decrease your risk for cognitive issues.
Adopting brain-healthy habits can be easier said than done for seniors in Deer Park, TX, though. But at Morada Deer Park, you'll find a supportive environment that'll allow you to experience the best overall well-being possible.
The seven pillars of brain wellness create a strong foundation for cognitive longevity. Older adults should strive to consistently practice them, as they can help preserve memory, independence, and most importantly, overall quality of life.
The seven pillars of brain wellness are:
Brain health and independence go hand-in-hand, so it's essential that you focus on cognitive wellness in aging. These are the habits you should adopt to have optimal golden years.
One of the most powerful ways to protect and improve brain health is to participate in active senior living. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and can stimulate the growth of new neural connections.
And you don't have to do anything intense either. Here are a few ideas for physical activity that are doable yet effective:
If you do 20-30 minutes of any of the above on most days, that can make a big difference.
Plus, exercise can lower the risk of conditions linked to cognitive decline, such as:
You'll also experience benefits beyond physical ones. For example, exercising can boost your mood and reduce stress, and this supports sharper thinking. You'll be able to maintain independence and mental clarity for longer!
There's nothing worse than an idle mind regarding cognitive health. But if you keep your brain mentally engaged with memory-friendly routines, then you'll maintain strong neural pathways and even build new ones.
Just like muscles, the brain gets stronger when it's used often. So you can stimulate your mind by:
Even everyday activities can challenge your brain, such as cooking a new recipe or navigating a new route. The key is variety, as new and unfamiliar tasks encourage deeper thinking and memory use.
Sleep is when your brain rests and repairs itself, so obviously, quality sleep is of the utmost importance. While you're in bed, the brain:
In general, older adults should aim for seven to nine hours of restful sleep each night. Try to maintain a consistent bedtime, limit caffeine late in the day, and create a calm sleeping environment to facilitate quality shuteye.
In addition, be proactive about seeking social connections. They can protect your mental health and reduce the risk of memory problems. Not only do these interactions stimulate thinking, but they also reduce feelings of loneliness or depression.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, and it may contribute to 60-70% of cases.
Alzheimer's happens when abnormal protein deposits build up in the brain. This disrupts communication between nerve cells, and over time, this can lead to:
Age is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's, but that doesn't mean that this disease is a normal part of aging. Other factors that play major roles are:
The fastest way to improve brain health is through regular physical activity. It's important to get good blood flow to the brain, as this delivers oxygen and nutrients that help the cells function better.
What's great is that even a brisk 20-30 minute walk can be beneficial! Not only can it improve blood flow, but it can also stimulate the release of growth factors that support memory and learning.
You should pair physical activity with good sleep and hydration.
Many everyday habits can slowly harm your brain over time. They may seem small individually, but together, they can significantly affect your memory and mood. Seven bad habits you should avoid are:
You can protect or even improve cognitive function by replacing the above with healthy routines, such as movement, balanced meals, restful sleep, and social connection.
As an older adult, it can be hard to take care of brain health on your own. But if you move to Morada Deer Park, everything will be easy.
As part of our Deer Park senior lifestyle, we have exclusive lifestyle programs that tackle your health in a holistic manner. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to socialize with your neighbors and make friends, so you'll never feel lonely here.
At Morada Deer Park, we have an inclusive and tailor-made fitness and health program to ensure that our residents are as happy and healthy as possible. Contact us today to request more information about senior living in Deer Park, TX.