3 Ways Seniors Can Enhance Their Mental Agility

Much like our bodies, our minds can change as we age. Studies have shown that certain regions of the brain shrink, including those crucial for learning. This may impact mental functioning, even in healthy seniors, and make it more challenging for them to remember names, multitask, and pay attention.

Fortunately, the mind is a magical organ and can create new neural pathways at any age. Known as neuroplasticity, this phenomenon is the brain’s ability to adapt and change due to new experiences.

Seniors can boost their brain power in other ways, including managing their blood pressure and socializing.

Want to enhance your mental agility? Here are three practical tips to try.

1.Take Care of Your Body

The National Institute on Aging encourages older adults to prioritize their physical health to improve brain functioning. Consuming a nutritious, well-balanced diet, staying active, and other healthy lifestyle choices have been shown to support cognition.

Seniors should eat plenty of fruits and veggies, lean protein, and low- or non-fat dairy products. Exercising regularly, sleeping right, managing high blood pressure, and getting recommended health screenings can also improve brain health.

2. Brain Games

The mind is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it becomes. Brain games, such as crossword puzzles, sudoku, and strategy games, can all improve mental agility.

There are plenty of apps seniors can use to work their brains. Some of our favorites include:

● CogniFit Brain Training: This app features games designed by neuroscientists that improve concentration skills and memory.

● Luminosity: Developed by scientists, this app allows users to measure their baseline and track progress. There are also more than 50 fun and challenging games to choose from.

● Elevate: This award-winning brain training program is intended to improve your focus, memory, and processing speeds.

Don’t like games? Taking a class, reading, doing art, and playing a musical instrument can also give your mind the workout it needs to stay sharp for years to come.

3. Stay Social

Having a robust social network and participating in activities with friends and family improves cognitive functioning and mental agility. Socializing also lifts your mood, prevents feelings of loneliness and isolation, and can reduce your risk of dementia and depression.

Older adults should socialize at least once a week. Have lunch with a friend, enjoy an afternoon with the grandkids, or attend a local event. Seniors can also meet new people at church or local community centers, like the Lyndell Community Center in Whitefish Bay, WI.
Right at Home Milwaukee North Supports Seniors’ Mental Health
Want to enjoy fulfilling social interactions from the comfort of your own home? Right at Home Milwaukee North provides compassionate companion care services to seniors throughout the region. Our in-home caregivers can also help you with light housekeeping, medication management, transportation, personal grooming, and meal planning and preparation.

Contact us today at (414) 877-1635 for more information. We look forward to hearing from you!