Ways Older Adults Can Retain Sharp Memory

Forgetting a name or a date as you grow older is a common phenomenon, there isn’t much to worry. Forgetfulness is common with increasing age. There isn’t much to be concerned about when a date, word, or a name doesn’t come to mind as quickly as it used to. However, if you are frequently forgetting things to the extent that it is interfering with your day-to-day activities, it is important to get yourself evaluated since it can be a red flag for cognitive decline (a form of cognitive impairment), which is one of the earliest warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease or other related dementia.

It is only when you fail to properly take good care of your brain that you are at the receiving end of problems, such as mental deterioration or dementia. Dementia is becoming more prevalent with every passing day. Dementia is a progressive condition meaning as days pass challenges increase for both the person dealing with it and his/her caregiver. This may necessitate seeking alternatives, such as assisted living anthem facilities.

But why fear the worst when there are simple ways to retain the sharpness of your memory or improve brain function as you get older. Here are some tips to keep your brain and memory healthy:

Make changes in your diet– Developing healthy eating habits not just improves your physical health, but also boosts your brain function and memory. What you eat should be at the top of your priority list if you wish to retain sharp memory. Experts vouch for these nutrient-rich superfoods for the brain, including leafy greens like kale, broccoli and spinach, berries, walnuts, green tea, and fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel and cod.

The Mediterranean diet is said to be associated with improved memory and prevention of cognitive decline.

Perform regular physical exercise– Like good nutritional habits, regular physical exercise isn’t just good for your body, but brain as well since it increases blood flow to the entire body, including your brain that may help to keep your memory sharp. Performing 30-60 minutes of exercise daily is adequate to stay sharp and focused. Seniors can opt for aerobic activities, such as brisk walking, jogging, which are known to enhance brain power and memory in individuals 50 years of age and over.

Mental exercise– You can strengthen your memory and cognitive skills with use. Brain exercises support your cognitive skills. Stimulating and challenging your brains by learning a new language or a musical instrument, playing board games, solving puzzles, can prevent degeneration and memory loss. In fact, stimulating brain games for older adults hones their cognition skills and improves memory. So it is wise to incorporate one or more of the mental exercises into your daily routine for a sharp mind.

Engage in social interaction– Loneliness or staying isolated is not good for the brain. So make it a point to stay socially active. Spend as much time with your loved ones (of course in keeping with the Covid protocols) as you can, which will ward off depression (can contribute to memory loss) and keep you mentally healthy as you age. According to research, even 10 minutes of social interaction every day can do you a world of good in terms of enhanced mental health and improved cognitive functioning. For memory care, book a suite today at Anthem Senior Living. Contact us at 602-909-9550.