Cerebral calisthenics

How seniors can preserve their brains

Physical activity and proper diet and nutrition can help people ages 50 and older maintain their physical health. But there are also ways aging men and women can preserve brain health in an effort to prevent or delay the cognitive decline that affects millions of seniors across the globe. It’s easy to overlook the importance of keeping the brain healthy.

However, a decline in brain function can result in poor concentration, memory loss and a host of other issues. Research suggests that a combination of good nutrition and mental, social and physical activities may have a greater impact with regard to maintaining and improving brain health than any single activity. Harvard Medical School also states that volunteering, caring for others and pursuing hobbies may benefit the brains of older adults.

Peter McIndoe, owner of Home Helpers, understands the importance of keeping the brain healthy, as his father was diagnosed with pre-dementia, thus needed to follow the doctor’s recommendations.

“What his doctor said, which I think is absolutely right, is ‘If you don’t use it, you lose it,’” McIndoe said. “[This is] true for muscles, true for knowledge and true for brain health.”

Having a purpose may also help those who do not have Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to the suggestions mentioned above, those who want to boost brain health can consider these strategies.

• Start exercising the brain early on. A study published in 2012 in the British Medical

Journal examined cognitive function in people ages 45 to 70. Researchers found evidence of cognitive decline in the 45-year-old participants, as well as the older participants. It’s never too early to put a brain-health plan into motion.

Philip Young, director of marketing and business development for Home Instead Senior Care, said it is never too early to start exercising the brain and gave an example as to how some seniors may already be ahead of the game.

“Many seniors were avid musicians in earlier years, and some may still have pianos or other instruments in their homes,” he said. “Ask them to play you a tune or challenge them to learn an instrument.”

• Hit the gym. Several studies suggest an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline. This could be because exercise elevates the heart rate, which pumps more blood to the brain and body.

Young added some insight as to why exercising is beneficial in several ways.

“Research shows that routine activity staves off both the physical effects of aging and cognitive decline,” he said. “We encourage our senior clients to stay active — whether it is putting golf balls, taking a short walk or sorting photos.”

• Challenge the mind. Men and women can engage in challenging activities that stray from their routines. Strategic games, jigsaw puzzles or difficult hobbies can benefit the brain.

McIndoe added to this, saying his father regularly challenges his mind through games with others, so he gets both mental exercise and social interaction.

“A lot of seniors we meet are just kind of sitting around watching TV all day, and what [the doctor] got my dad doing was at least two hours a day of some kind of game, whether it’s a crossword puzzle, Sudoku, or playing cards or dominoes with friends,” he said.

• Keep a close-knit group of friends.

Regular conversation and social interaction are key components of any brain-health wellness plan. Slowing cognitive decline and promoting greater brain health should be a priority for adults of all ages.