Sometimes we think of supporting our brain health in terms of preventing decline. But it’s also about staying mentally sharp and cognitively engaged throughout later life. While aging does change the brain, lifestyle choices can significantly influence how we feel, think, and function.
In this article, you'll learn 5 key recommendations from the Mayo Clinic on how to support your brain health in older age and feel more energised each day.
1. Stay Mentally Active
Just like your body, your brain benefits from a regular workout. Reading, doing puzzles, painting, and learning a new language or hobby helps keep the mind sharp.
👉 A few minutes is all you need: Try these Brain Boosts To Do With Your Morning Tea
2. Physical Exercise
Physical movement not only improves circulation, but also encourages the growth of new brain cells. Regular walking, swimming, or dancing can help reduce the risk of memory loss and improve mood.
Concerned about your safety walking outdoors? GPS devices can alert family if you become lost and gently guide you back home.
3. Eat a Balanced Diet
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats like those in nuts or olive oil also supports brain function. You may have heard of the Mediterranean diet, which is particularly noted for its brain-protective benefits.
👉 Take a look at this tasty lunch option for better brain health
4. Stay Socially Connected
Meaningful interactions with friends, family, or community groups are linked to lower risks of depression and dementia. Isolation, on the other hand, can accelerate cognitive decline.
Why not combine social connection with exercise or brain-boosting activities?
- Join a local community group that interests you (gardening, music, and special-interest clubs are all popular choices).
- Regular exercises classes are also a great way to combine fitness, time with friends, and routine.
And have you considered volunteering?
Maintaining a sense of purpose is important in later life. Volunteering is often a great way to make friends, stay active, and feel more motivated when you wake up each morning.
These days, there are also ways of supporting worthy causes from home if transport is difficult.
👉 Learn more about ways to Improve Your Health With Social Connection
5. Manage Chronic Conditions
Controlling underlying health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and depression is important for your overall wellbeing. Research also suggests that controlling these conditions can reduce your risk of other age-associated diseases, such as dementia.
Other factors that are important to manage include:
- Stress
- Adequate hydration
- Nutrient intake (food choice can help with this)
- Sleep quality, which plays a critical role in memory and mood regulation
To improve lifestyle factors:
Start by making a list of the top factors you'd like to change first. Is it sleep? Staying more hydrated throughout the day? Better eating habits?
Next, make small regular adjustments to your routine to support this healthy change - like setting a nightly alarm that tells you when to switch off the TV for more restful sleep.
A trusted GP and family members can also help guide you.
Final Thoughts
Although we face new challenges in older age, we can give ourselves the opportunity to thrive well into our later years by staying informed on healthy aging, and putting this knowledge into practice.
When it comes to cognitive health, creating space for mental, physical, and social activities during each day is essential.
Need a little help embracing the healthy habits you want?
Try out the Elli Cares app to easily create empowering daily routines for better health, connection, and sense of everyday wellbeing.
👉 For more brain health tips, read the full article from the Mayo Clinic
