Getting older is something we all struggle with, from the thought of our increased age to the aging of our bodies. Some feel it in their joints and bones, while others notice their minds starting to slow. Aging causes many differences in not just our bodies but also in our brain. Fear not, there are some exercises that can help you stay sharp for many years to come.
As we get older, our cognitive abilities gradually deteriorate. A certain amount of cognitive decline is a normal part of aging. When getting into your 50’s you can start to see your reasoning skills slow. According to research in the British Medical Journal, middle-aged patients saw a 3.6 percent decline in reasoning skills over the past 10 years.
Brain Games
There are things you can do to strengthen your cognitive abilities. Playing games that require logic, the process of elimination, and reasoning skills such as Clue and Sudoku, can help strengthen those abilities by using parts of your brain that you may not use as much on a daily basis. You can buy a book full of sudoku puzzles or you can grab some free printable Sudoku puzzles.
Challenge Yourself
Challenge your brain in your daily life. Try brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand. By doing this, you’ll be using the other side of your brain to perform the task which expands the part of the cortex that controls tactile information from the hand.
Avoid Fried Foods
Though everyone is different, in a normal healthy brain, the major thing that happens as we get older is our neurons slow down a bit. According to the Journal of Nutritional Science, people whose diets consisted of fried foods didn’t score well on tests that measured brain function, memory, and learning. Researchers believed that having a poor diet of fried foods contributed to inflammation and small brain size. Switching out battered and fried foods for grilled and baked items can help reduce this risk.
Reduce Sugar and Trans Fats
Other items bad for your brain’s health are high amounts of sugars and trans fats. Research has found that a high intake of trans fats, found in processed foods, like cakes and cookies, can increase your risk of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s. This is due to the possible cause of plaque build-up in your brain. To prevent this, ditch the processed sweets for dark chocolate and/or fruit. Brain health, just like your overall health, is greatly affected by sugar!
As you age, your brain will shrink. It’s unavoidable. According to researchers at the University of California, Davis, there are four factors that can speed up the decline in brain volume.
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- cigarette smoking
- being overweight or obese
Workout
Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising on a regular basis can help to avoid this. Quitting smoking can always help with a healthier lifestyle and a healthier brain.
- Yoga for Brain Health: Could Yoga Poses Now Prevent Dementia Later?
- How Much Physical Exercise Keeps Your Brain Healthy?
- What Running ACTUALLY Does To Our Brains
Though we have talked a lot about the effects of an aging brain, you might be confused where the line is between normal aging and a need for serious concern. Here are a few examples to ease your mind. Finding yourself searching for words is likely normal compared to using the wrong words, for example using the word stove when referring to your table. Driving a little slower than you are used to is a normal thing among aging drivers, but if you start to react very slowly behind the wheel, or often miss stop signs and red lights, these could be signs of a bigger problem. If you think you may be having an issue be sure to read: What happens if our brain betrays us?
No matter how you age, the most important thing is to continue to live your best life. Here are a few things that can not only keep you active,but keep your brain active as well. Keep Learning! Instead of doing the same old thing, think outside the box and try something new. New experiences will build new pathways in your brain, keeping your mind healthy as you get older. You can also spend more time with friends and family. Being social can help keep your mind sharp as you age. The key to an active happy life and brain health is an active happy brain.
A special offer for PRIME members – 50% off of a brain physical. Use discount code BPCPRIME50. Offer valid until March 15th, 2019.
