Keep Your Mind Sharp as a Tack as You Get Older

Everyone experiences a brain fart now and again. You know those moments when you forget why you walked into a room or what you were going to say in the middle of a sentence. But it can feel like these flashes of absent-mindedness grow more frequent as you grow older. 

You may think this kind of decline is inevitable or a sure sign of Dementia, but these changes may not signal a permanent change in the way you think. Here are some things you can try to stay sharp and reduce your risk of Dementia. 

Get Up & Moving

Regular exercise helps prevent heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. These health conditions are major risks associated with Dementia, according to the Alzheimer Society of Peel, which services Brampton, Mississauga, and the Town of Caledon. 

While Mississauga’s ASP underscores there’s no guarantee you can prevent Dementia entirely, controlling your risk factors can significantly reduce your chances of getting this degenerative disease. 

If it’s been a while since you got off the couch, start with gentle movements like simple hip stretches for seniors. Walking, restorative yoga, and swimming are also great low-impact activities for beginners. 

Get Lost in a Book

Reading is another great way to keep your brain in shape. Studies have shown cracking open a good book can help reduce age-related cognitive decline, especially if you make it a life-long habit. 

Reading is also a fantastic activity for people living with Dementia today. Many people retain their reading and comprehension skills during the early and midstages of Dementia. 

As the disease progresses and reading comprehension skills wane, seniors can still benefit from reading when their caregivers read aloud — whether they live in a facility or receive at-home care. 

Dementia care advocates recommend reading to people in the later stages of the disease because it stimulates a senior’s memories and imagination in ways they can’t on their own. That’s why reading is one of the many enriching activities provided by Dementia Care experts in Mississauga, as it improves the quality of life for people living with Dementia.

Eat a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is another brain-healthy tip to reduce your risk of Dementia as recommended by the ASP in Mississauga. Eating well as a senior not only supports your overall health, but it can also provide your body with important nutrients that boost your immune system and mental health. 

While eating a varied diet rich in whole grains, meat-free protein, and leafy greens is a good start, you’ll also want to consider foods rich in antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids. That includes salmon, nuts, avocados, and berries

Pick up a New Skill, Hobby, or Language

A life-long commitment to learning is one of the best ways to simultaneously keep your mind sharp and reduce your risk of Dementia. You’ll constantly be challenging your brain when you pick up hobbies and try new things, and you’ll be sharpening your concentration, hand-eye, and memory skills with every session. 

In a city like Mississauga, it’s easy to find classes geared towards seniors. However, most municipalities offer programming for older adults that include group activities (like bingo and euchre nights) and educational classes. 

The Takeaway

There isn’t one thing you can do once to keep your brain in shape. Keeping your mind sharp is the result of regular habits that include eating healthy, learning new skills, and reading.