Cognitive decline is one of the biggest fears seniors face. Thankfully, there are things you can do to help prevent this. Remember, your brain is part of your body, so you need to take steps to keep it in shape, just like you should for your heart or lungs. With that in mind, here are five simple ways to keep your mind sharp as you age!

1. Stay Social

Socializing might not be at the forefront of your mind when you think about staying sharp, but it should be! As it turns out, science has shown that people who maintain close social bonds as they age aren’t as likely to suffer cognitive decline as those who don’t. Part of the reason social interaction is so good at staving off cognitive decline may be because those with close social ties also aren’t as likely to suffer from depression. So, call or see your loved ones as often as you can, set up times to meet with friends, or join a club if you need to find some new connections!

2. Exercise Your Brain

Like any other part of your body, your brain needs exercise to stay in shape. And the more often you engage in brain-boosting activities, the more you lower your chances of experiencing cognitive decline. So, spend more time reading or listening to music. Write your memoirs and play crossword puzzles. Engage in spirited discussions with your friends or set up a weekly card game. Anything that challenges your brain helps it stay strong, so pick an activity (or five) that you love, and give your brain the workout it needs!

3. Sleep Soundly

As important as it is to exercise your brain, it’s also important to allow it to rest. Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial to staying mentally sharp. Your brain needs rest in order to consolidate your memories, so when you don’t sleep enough, your memory is impacted. Try to aim for seven or eight hours of sleep every night. Turn off devices with bright lights, and develop your own bedtime routine that helps you relax. Stick to a specific bedtime and start winding down before bed to give your body the signals it needs to prepare for sleep. Try taking a bath, listening to soothing music, or reading to relax before bed.

4. Take Care of Your Body

In order for your brain to be healthy, your entire body needs to be healthy. So don’t skip medical appointments, take steps to manage chronic health conditions, and quit habits that negatively impact your health, like smoking. Make sure to get regular exercise, too. You’ll lower your blood pressure and improve your mood, both of which are linked to a lower risk of cognitive impairment. 

5. Eat Well

What you eat has a big impact on your brain. Studies have found that eating healthy foods and following certain diets lower your risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. So limit your intake of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. And instead, focus on eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats and fish, low-fat dairy products, and healthy fats like those found in nuts and avocados.

Cognitive decline doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of aging. Keep your mind as sharp as your age by following the above tips. And don’t forget, Normandy living offers an array of social and recreational activities, along with delicious, healthy food included in your monthly fee. Interested in joining us? Fill out the form below for priority consideration.