How to Boost a Senior’s Brain Health

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How to Boost a Senior's Brain Health in Victoria, BC

For some people, cognitive decline is a natural part of aging. However, there are many things seniors and their caregivers can do to slow this process. With the right lifestyle and high-quality care, aging adults can boost their brain health and retain their independence.

There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional home care. In Victoria, families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Senior in-home care experts share a few tips on how to boost a senior’s brain health.

Implement a Balanced Diet

Aging can lead to slow metabolism, which makes it difficult to maintain a healthy body weight. While seniors should adjust their diets in relation to reduced physical activity and metabolic functioning, they should still get plenty of healthy fats. The brain consists of about 60 percent fat, and it needs a regular supply of healthy fats to maintain an optimal level of functioning. Implementing a low-fat or entirely fat-free diet at this stage of life can be detrimental to brain health. Almonds, salmon, pecans, olives, olive oil, avocados, coconuts, and coconut oil are some of the many high-fat foods for supporting brain health. 

Establish an Exercise Plan

Seniors and their caregivers should work together to establish feasible workout plans that can be easily maintained over the long term. During the senior years, regular exercise promotes better blood circulation and makes it easier for the body to route sufficient nutrients to the topmost portion of the body. It also speeds up toxin removal, relieves stress, and helps balance mood. All of these things contribute to better brain functioning.

Encourage Lifelong Learning

The brain works like a muscle. The more it is used, the stronger and more capable it becomes. Learning activities help the brain build new neural pathways, which increases the likelihood of building long-term memories and connections. The senior years are the perfect time to pick up a new instrument, learn a new language, or to go back to school for a new degree. Structured learning can boost cognitive functioning and memory and provide seniors with a sense of accomplishment and opportunities to socialize.

Some seniors with dementia and other health conditions might need more than just learning to boost their brain health. For some seniors in Victoria, dementia care is essential. Regular mental stimulation helps slow the progression of the disease, supervision reduces the risk of dangerous behaviors, and compassionate companionship is a wonderful solution for alleviating the symptoms of dementia.

Offer Encouragement to Quit Smoking

Smoking can be detrimental to brain health because it narrows the arteries and makes it difficult for the body to route oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Although quitting can be challenging, seniors now have access to a range of smoking cessation products for managing nicotine withdrawal. You can also ask your senior loved one’s doctor to recommend a good smoking cessation program. These programs provide comprehensive plans that ensure cessation efforts are successful.

Check for Underlying Causes of Memory Loss

Preventative care is important throughout the senior years. When your elderly loved one experiences memory loss, it’s vital to let his or her regular doctor investigate the matter. Thyroid disease, chronic depression, and diabetes are a few health conditions that can contribute to decreased memory. No matter what the underlying cause of cognitive decline may be, receiving routine medical care is a way to get a timely diagnosis and an effective plan for mitigating mental health issues.

Providing care to an aging loved one with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive health condition can be overwhelming at times. Seniors and their family caregivers can benefit by hiring a dedicated and professionally trained caregiver. Home Care Assistance is a trusted provider of senior home care in Victoria. Alzheimer’s care is one of our main specialties. Our caregivers can help seniors with Alzheimer’s manage their condition while performing daily tasks like exercise, bathing, and cooking, and we also provide a wide array of mentally stimulating activities. To learn more about our senior care plans, call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (250) 592-4881.

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