Canadians are living longer, but the functional health of many adults declines as they age, so it is important that we stay as healthy as possible for as long as we can – and that includes our brain health. As we age, our cognitive abilities can start to decline. Thankfully, there are a few lifestyle habits we can get into that can help us keep our cognitive abilities as sharp as we can for as long as possible. Here are a few things to consider.
Sleeping Habits
A number of studies demonstrated that poor sleeping habits are linked to impaired cognitive function. It is really important to make sure you get enough quality sleep. Most adults need 8 hours of sleep to fully recharge, but you have to make sure that the sleep you get is restful as the quality of sleep is very important.
Exercise
There is a wide range of exercises that may be available, so it is really up to you to choose whatever you enjoy. Being active is critical to slowing down, or even stopping, cognitive impairment. Exercise helps boost your brain performance as it sends extra blood to the brain, which, in turn, fuels your brain.
Diet
Many people struggle with eating a balanced diet. Most foods today are highly processed and filled with refined sugars. While we know that these kinds of diets are bad for weight gain, they can also be bad for our brains. If possible, replace the highly processed foods with ones that contain monosaturated fatty acids. These kinds of food have been shown to promote brain health and function. They can be found in foods like avocados, almonds and olive oil.
Writing
Some people keep journals as a way to get their feelings out on paper, but there have been some studies showing that writing and expressing your thoughts can also help keep your brain function going. Doing this can decrease your stress levels and potentially even help you brainstorm solutions to any problems you might be having.
Water
We know that we have to drink enough water to stay physically hydrated, but does it do anything for our brains? Most of us think that we drink enough water, but very few of us actually do. By increasing the amount of water you drink regularly, you can increase both your physical and mental health long term.
Television
Who does not love a good movie or series on tv? We all do, but what if watching too much tv was bad for your mental health? Watching too much tv does not challenge your brain or make you think about anything. Instead of mindlessly watching tv, picking up a book can help increase your brain function by making you think and process the information you are coming across. If you do not like to read, doing puzzles that challenge your brain (crosswords or Sudoku) can be a great way to get your brain cells working.
How Vera Home Care Can Help
Are you or a loved one having trouble keeping up with daily habits that can promote brain health? Home care workers can help with a number of these, from helping to plan and prepare healthy meals to providing companionship during a walk or other forms of exercise. To learn more, contact VERA Home Care today.