Seniors often experience some cognitive decline. In a sense, the brain is like other parts of the body which undergo aging. Most of us at the age of 70 cannot run as fast as we did when we were 20, and we also cannot think as fast. Cognitive decline, however, is an area of increasing research. And today, we do have some ideas about what staves off or even can reverse cognitive decline. In today’s blog, we will give you a few tips on what may help limit cognitive decline in seniors.

Exercise

For reasons not entirely understood, exercise helps the brain. Exercise is also good for the body and our mental health. And it is not necessary to run marathons to benefit from exercise. Just taking a walk every day will have immense benefits for your mind and your body.

Eating Well

Like the old saying goes, you are what you eat. If you want to be mentally sharp, then you have to eat enough calories, protein, and take in enough nutrients. Think of food as fuel for your brain. What you eat is important for overall physical and mental health, so try to eat colourful plant-based foods and stay away as much as possible from foods that are overly processed. Processed foods usually contain lots of salt and sugar and not much in the way of nutrition or fiber.

Good Sleep

Sleep is how and when our bodies recover and repair themselves. Getting enough sleep is very important for good brain function, and no one is very sharp mentally if he or she has a lot of sleep debt. For a healthy brain, seniors really need to make an effort to sleep for seven to nine hours every night.

Social Engagement

This is another factor that contributes to good brain health but is not well understood. Being around other people is good for you, mentally and physically. Our social connections contribute in an important way to our overall health and longevity. Make an effort to spend time with friends and relatives—you will feel better and think more clearly.

In Duncan, BC, where we have our new state-of-the-art senior community, we have a long list of activities to keep our residents healthy, happy, and mentally sharp. If you would like to know more about our world-class senior community in Duncan, please call us at (250) 597-7995. We are conveniently located about halfway between Nanaimo and Victoria on Vancouver Island.

The Hamlets at Duncan is a brand-new, assisted-living and complex-care senior community in Duncan, BC, on Vancouver Island. Guided by the tenets of Christian faith, and with a stellar staff and multiple amenities, The Hamlets at Duncan, is the premier senior-living choice for the area.