Keeping Aging Brains Healthy

By Mercyhealth

Aging well depends on a combination of genes, lifestyle choices, and environment. However, even when someone is healthy, brain changes as you age can lead to increased challenges with multitasking, paying attention, and recalling words.

The good news is that most people can learn new things improve their skills at any age. This factor is increasingly important for maintaining independence while aging.

Tips to stay physically and mentally healthy:

• Eat or drink less sugar, salt, and solid fat

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

• Choose lean meats, fish or poultry, and low-fat dairy foods

• Control portion sizes

• Drink adequate fluids

• Make physical activity a part of your routine

• Get seven to eight hours of sleep every night

• Volunteer, join a social club, or attend community programs

• Make time to gather with friends

Conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure can affect brain health. It’s important to manage your cholesterol and blood pressure while maintaining exercise routines, eating healthily, and getting recommended health screenings as needed.

Genetic risks to brain health are inherited, but the lifestyle and environmental factors you control may be changed to help overcome some of these risks and help maintain brain health.