Cognitive decline in old age is inevitable to some extent. As you get older, you might find that you misplace the TV remote more often or that you forget names. Memory loss is common in old age and it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything seriously wrong – everyone can expect to be a bit more forgetful as they get older. However, there are things you can do to help you to maintain a sharp mind for as long as possible.
Eat well
A healthy diet isn’t just beneficial to your body, it can help to maintain your mind. Eating a nutritious, balanced diet will feed your brain and boost your energy, reducing your chances of feeling tired and unfocused.
It’s well known that being overweight is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, but did you know it can also negatively affect your mind? Cardiovascular illnesses increase your chances of having a stroke, which can in turn contribute towards you developing severe memory loss or certain types of dementia.
Regular checks
As you age, the chances of developing various conditions increases. While you can do all you can to make sure you remain healthy for as long as possible, it doesn’t guarantee that you won’t develop a particular health condition.
In most cases, catching something early before it’s had a chance to cause significant problems will give the best outcome. It’s therefore a good idea to get regular check-ups to detect anything as early as possible. Echelon Health offers preventative health assessments which can detect the early signs of a multitude of ailments. If anything is found to be developing inside your body unseen, Echelon Health will find it, so that you can get treatment as soon as possible.
Stay social
Spending time with family and friends can help prevent loneliness, as well as boost your overall mood. When people age, they often find that they can’t engage in the same activities that they did before and can therefore feel more isolated. If you can, try and find some new hobbies that will encourage social interaction. These could be as simple as just having a cup of tea with a friend on a certain day every week – anything that gets you interacting with others.
If you’re no longer able to get out and about, use video calls to keep in touch with friends and relatives. Social isolation is linked to mental decline, so it’s vital that you stay connected to your social circles.
Engage your mind
Just as you would exercise your body to keep it healthy, it’s essential that you exercise your mind for optimum health. Doing regular mental activities, such as puzzles, hobbies, and games, will keep your mind alert and could even help reduce your chances of developing a serious cognitive condition, such as dementia.
It’s never too late to learn new things, so why not consider enrolling in a course? If that sounds too ambitious, don’t worry as there are lots of ways you can challenge your brain to keep it healthy. Keeping up to date with the news, doing daily crosswords, and reading different books are just some of the ways you can keep your mind alert.
Conclusion
Mental decline in old age is common, but there are ways you can slow it down. Challenging your brain, eating well, regular check-ups, and maintaining social relationships can all help you to stay alert.
