Everyone’s brain and mental functions change as they age. Differences in processing speeds can cause individuals in their 60s and 70s to generally experience minor forgetfulness. The subtle changes in the time it takes to process thought are initially too small to perceive. You should not worry if you need help finding the right words or find it challenging to locate your keys occasionally. Your brain will not function as it did in your 20s, but here are things you can do to help maintain its health.
Table of Contents
Maintain Your Blood Flow
Blood flow is vital to your brain and your body. It flushes away toxins and transports oxygen and nutrients to all your body’s cells. Although your brain makes up only 2% of your body mass, it uses 20% of your body’s blood flow and oxygen. It is not your brain that ages quickly, but the blood vessels that feed your neurons that age faster. Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol at acceptable levels to keep your mind and mental health sharp and strong.
Check Your Diet
Good foods keep your brain healthy and help maintain your ability to perform functions, such as concentration and memory, successfully. Your brain is in charge of how you move, think and feel and is the control center of your body. Eating certain foods and supplementing your diet is essential to maintain cognitive function.
Take Brain Supporting Supplements
Maintaining adequate Omega-3 fatty acids and B12 is a crucial benchmark for brain health. Your body’s ability to absorb the necessary nutrients decreases as you age. Adding brain health supplements to your diet will help fill in the gaps and help to maintain your healthy food plan. They will support your memory function and mental performance for reaction time and concentration.
Eat Whole Foods
Dedicating 90% of your diet to whole-plant foods is a great rule. Concentrate on highlighting fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds and nuts as the central portions of your meals. Add more raw vegetables to your diet, like snacking on celery as a snack and eating large salads with tomatoes, beans and other healthy toppings. Check out more hospice near me.
Focus on Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a vital regulating vitamin that plays a role in multiple bodily functions, including your brain’s activity. The “sunshine vitamin” is typically known for maintaining strong bones and nurturing a healthy immune system. A new study shows Vitamin D can help optimize cognitive function and memory. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines are excellent sources of this precious nutrient.
Avoid Salt
High amounts of salt can restrict the healthy flow of blood throughout your body and your brain. Use fewer amounts in your diet to maintain your brain’s cognitive function. Try perking up your foods with herbs and no-salt seasonings to add flavor. A splash of vinegar or citrus can add punch to a dish.
Stay Active
Balancing your lifestyle will amplify your overall well-being. Regular exercise positively affects your body and benefits your brain in all life stages. The reason for this is when you are physically active, the blood flow to your brain increases. Exercise helps brain tissue produce mitochondria for cellular energy. Generally, adults over 60 experience better memory, reaction time and cognitive function when physically active.
Engage Your Mind
Just as you exercise your body, your can also condition your brain. Find highly structured exercises to practice the processes in your brain to enhance and maintain your mental performance. Brain teasers, crossword puzzles or anything you can sit and do to challenge your mind will make a significant difference in a short amount of time. Social activities are just as crucial for memory, reasoning and verbal fluency.
As with various other aspects of health, the secret to keeping your cognitive health as you age is relatively simple. Eat a healthy diet, socialize, stay engaged and get the right amount of exercise. If you take action to adopt these practices into your routine, you will be on track to maintaining better brain health as you age.