As you age, your brain undergoes numerous changes that can impact how well you think, reason and function. Taking care of your cognitive health is essential to your overall well-being. Understanding how to promote a healthy, happy mind is crucial for implementing meaningful changes and creating time for activities that are good for the mind, body and soul.
We are diving into the key considerations for living a lifestyle that supports optimal cognitive functioning and how Garden Spot Villages champions an active approach to retired living.
Cognitive health refers to how well the brain thinks, processes, learns and remembers. It directly influences an individual’s independence, quality of life and overall well-being. Minor cognitive decline, such as occasional memory lapses or slower recall speeds, can be a standard part of aging. However, taking steps to avoid premature and preventable decline is key to living a longer, healthier and more fulfilling life throughout retirement.
While genes and environmental factors can impact a person’s cognitive functioning, lifestyle factors are a huge part of nurturing a happy and healthy mind for older adults. The keys to combating cognitive decline include:
Those who do not engage in much or any physical activity are more at risk for cognitive decline. It is truly that simple. Your body needs exercise and movement on a regular basis to function at its best.
Robust physical activity enhances blood flow and oxygenation, promoting a healthy cardiovascular system. Optimal blood flow is key to getting an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to your brain. Moving your body also helps you reduce the risk of chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, that can increase the likelihood of cognitive decline down the road. Exercise also promotes and stimulates the growth of new neurons, which are critical for information processing, learning and memory.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults ages 65 and older should get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise at a minimum each week. They should also aim to engage in muscle-strengthening activities twice per week and regular exercises that improve balance.
Along with maintaining an active lifestyle, older adults should also be conscientious of the foods they consume to support healthy cognition. Eating a well-balanced diet is integral to keeping the body’s systems functioning at their best.
Ensure you are including foods that are good for the brain, such as:
Prioritizing a high-protein, low-fat diet can help your body combat cognitive decline. You’ll also want to choose foods that have the micronutrients that are essential for optimal brain health, including iron and B vitamins.
Socializing and being an active member of your community can play a significant role in healthy brain functioning. Since feeling isolated or lonely can lead to cognitive decline, participating in social activities and connecting with others is a must for aging individuals looking to keep their minds sharp.
Spending time with others can be intellectually stimulating and promote cognitive vitality. Listening, comprehending and sharing your thoughts are important mental processes that impact your brain’s health. Older people can benefit from attending events, meeting up with friends and chatting with loved ones regularly.
Socialization is also a core part of emotional well-being. Those who interact with others regularly are less likely to feel depressed, stressed or anxious.
Another element of cognitive health in aging involves keeping the mind active. Older individuals should prioritize their hobbies and passions. Whether you love golf, scrapbooking, knitting, gardening or beekeeping, making time for these activities is a fantastic way to care for your brain. They provide you with feelings of joy, relief from stress and a sense of purpose beyond yourself. Activities that involve hand-eye coordination are especially beneficial for improving cognition.
In addition to hobbies, consider playing brain games that encourage you to think critically and problem-solve. Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles and Scrabble are just a few ideas for getting your thinking cap on.
Explore some common questions people have about cognitive health in older individuals.
Catching cognitive decline early can help you make the necessary lifestyle changes to slow the process and boost your brain health. Some of the early signs of mild cognitive impairment to be conscious of include:
While improving or reversing significant cognitive decline can be challenging, you may be able to slow progressive degeneration in some cases.
If there are underlying causes, such as sleep deprivation or stress, impacting how your brain functions, getting to the root of these issues can often give your mind a boost. Ultimately, prioritizing a healthy, engaging and active lifestyle is key to combating cognitive decline and living a fuller life.
Fostering positive cognitive health and living mindfully is possible at Garden Spot Village. Our campus is located on 220 acres in the heart of Lancaster County. We have a variety of luxury homes and apartments available, including:
We understand the importance of active living and nurturing cognitive health during retirement. You can stay in shape with the help of our wellness center amenities, which consist of the following:
Our abundant micro-communities allow you to engage with the hobbies you love most and keep your cognitive and physical skills sharp. These include but are not limited to the following:
At Garden Spot Village, we want to help you live an abundant and purposeful life filled with opportunities to stay active and engage with your community.
At Garden Spot Village, we want to make retirement luxurious and healthy. Our communities near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offer a variety of residential choices so you can find a home that suits your unique lifestyle and preferences.
Active living is integrated into everything we offer. Our residents can enjoy various hobbies, wellness activities and volunteer opportunities that help them live a fulfilling and engaging life throughout retirement.
If you are interested in healthy and happy living at Garden Spot Village, contact us for more information or request pricing online to get started today.