A frustrating part of life is that growing older increases our risk for many ailments. There are habits we can practice to decrease some of those risks and help prepare for the healthiest aging process we can manage. We constantly discuss healthy lifestyle and habits because these are some of the most practical ways to promote overall health and wellness. One common ailment that can worsen with age is memory impairment and cognitive decline. Worrying about aging is problematic, too. According to research from the Global Brain Health Institute, Older adults with higher fear of memory loss and dementia report a significant decrease in their quality of life and report more failures in memory.”
Having a healthy brain and mind is important for aging in place and thriving. Around 40% of senior citizens have age-associated memory impairment. In the United States, that translates to about 16 million people. It makes sense that many older adults worry about memory loss. Thankfully, with tools like early detection testing, pharmaceuticals, etc, many of these cases won’t progress to dementia. But we can’t just rely on modern medicine to do the work. And we can’t spend our time worrying that we might develop memory loss. What we can and should do to improve our odds is make the right lifestyle choices. Exercise, healthy diet, quitting smoking, and reducing stress are all important factors in preserving cognitive health and preventing memory loss.
Since we are focused on nutrition this month, we’ve gathered some simple food groups you can incorporate into your diet to feed your brain. Remember that promoting brain health is also part of promoting whole physical and mental health. Your body is one unit with many working parts that all need attention.
- Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, Cabbage, Dark Leafy Greens
- Dark Berries: Blueberries, Cherries, Blackberries
- Omega 3 Fatty Acid: Fish, Salmon, Tuna, Sardines
- Walnuts
–Bethany Sellai is the Resident Blogger at Be Active Be Well. She lives well with her husband, three sons and one very lazy Shih Tzu, in the Central Valley where she creates social media & blog content from her little craftsman bungalow.
DISCLAIMER: This article contains information that is intended to help the readers be better informed regarding exercise and health care. It is presented as general advice on health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual needs. Before beginning any new exercise program it is recommended that you seek medical advice from your personal physician. This article is not intended to be a substitute for the medical advice of a licensed physician. The reader should consult with their doctor in any matters relating to his/her health.
