Although getting older is inevitable, it’s certainly not something people are thrilled to do. It can be increasingly difficult when a person isn’t in good physical or mental health as they age. Maintaining a healthy brain is essential to a good quality of life in your later years. Here are some of the tips that neurologists offer to people who want to keep their minds fresh despite their age. You’ll see that many of these things interconnect with each other to create a balanced life that can promote healthier brain function.
Hopefulness & Optimism
This one is easier said than done! How can someone stop being sad? They should just be happy instead, right? There are ways to promote a more positive mindset for people as they age. As mentioned, many tips here are meant to lead people to a positive outlook. A clear and happy outlook on life is great for mental health. Often, it’s a byproduct of a person’s life. One of the ways that someone can stay hopeful is always to have something to look forward to. For example, planning outings and trips is a great way to do that. It could be argued that this is not a tip per se, but since it may very well be the key to everything else, it’s fair to make it the first point on the list!
Regulating the Nervous System
One way to maintain a positive attitude is to learn to regulate their nervous system or emotions. It’s no coincidence that yoga and other forms of meditation are skyrocketing in popularity. People understand they need safe ways to channel their feelings to keep their thoughts in line. Achieving this can contribute positively to proper brain function even as the years go by.
It’s not just yoga and meditation that can do the trick. Many people can find their safe space by reading books. Some alone time in a jacuzzi helps as well. There are many ways to process emotions, particularly negative ones, in a healthy way. Achieving this can indeed provide tangible benefits for anyone in the long term.
Keep a Routine with Some Twists
Another tip you probably expected to find here is the problem with strict routines, particularly in older people, which don’t allow for any different experience or excitement. A routine is key to ensuring that a person eats well and rests enough, which is essential to brain health. However, an extremely rigid routine that doesn’t allow a person to have a board game night with the grandkids or a day out at the ballpark can be just as toxic as not keeping a routine.
A Healthy Body Equals a Healthy Mind
It can be difficult to get the body and mind in sync as the years go by. It’s “normal” for a person’s health to decline as they age. Sometimes, when facing a long-term illness, this is another one of those “tips” that’s easier said than done. However, if you’re sticking to your diet and your medications and you’re as healthy as you can be in your situation, you have a better chance of staying cognitively healthy as well.
Keep Moving
As the years go by, exercise can undoubtedly become more challenging. The body won’t be as nimble as it used to be, and recovery times tend to be more prolonged and painful. Finding a way to keep the body in motion is still essential. Some find they can regulate their nervous system and stay positive through long walks. Swimming is another “sport” perfect for someone getting up there in years. It’s low impact, but it can give you a good workout. Remember the last tip: a healthy body equals a healthy mind. Exercise is one of the best ways to stay physically healthy.
Make a Habit of Socializing
Constant verbal communication with people is a great way to keep the brain well-oiled and running smoothly. Sadly, one of the biggest challenges for people in certain age groups is that many of their original friends may have passed away. The kids and grandkids have other priorities and may only be around sometimes. It may be the most challenging time in anyone’s life to jump into a new social group. Sometimes, though, life calls on everyone to jump into the deep end and potentially do things they never thought they’d do. Socializing is essential to brain function, so it may be time to dust off old shoes and dress to get out there and party again.
Staying Up to Date With the New Tech Trends
Most of the tips above are tips that everyone knows or has potentially heard before. This one is a bit different, however. Why would it help to keep up to date with tech trends? Does playing video games improve brain function? Some studies seem to indicate that. However, it goes a bit deeper than this. Tech has brought new ways to socialize, but sometimes, people of an older demographic end up getting left out because of their inability to use certain gadgets. This was very evident during the pandemic with the rise of Zoom calls.
Technology is ever-evolving, and while it can be challenging for older people to keep up, trying to do so can be one of the best ways to maintain brain health. They won’t be left out of social interactions, and they may even find new hobbies and ways to enjoy themselves through technology.
