Keeping Our Brains Healthy

Experts are now saying we need to exercise our brains. When we think of staying fit, we often think from the neck down. But the health of your brain plays a vital role in almost everything you do - from working and reading to simple everyday tasks. There are a few things we can do to keep our brains healthy and sharp.

Stay active. When we are physically active, we help maintain a good blood flow to the brain. Pick an activity that you enjoy such as bike riding, swimming or yoga. It really doesn’t matter what the activity is as long as you get your body moving.

Adopt a brain-healthy diet. There is growing evidence that a diet rich in dark vegetables and fruits which contain antioxidants may help to protect brain cells. Learn to cook healthier recipes rather than always grabbing a frozen meal to heat up. Learning a new skill such as healthy cooking will exercise your brain and, at the same time, provide essential nutrition to your body.           

Continue to be mentally active. Research has found that keeping the brain active appears to actually generate brain cells!  Attend a lecture or enroll in courses online or at a local college.  Never stop learning. There is always something new to discover.

Remain socially active.  Social activity not only makes physical and mental activity more enjoyable, it can reduce stress levels, which helps maintain healthy connections among brain cells. Go to a play, volunteer, join a club. Any of these activities provide encouragement and camaraderie to keep your brain healthy. 

You don’t have to go to extremes. Start small, like a daily walk, and continue to add changes. You want to use your brain, so you won’t lose the power of this valuable organ.

Are you a senior citizen who is looking for some companionship to keep your brain healthy and sharp? Or maybe you might enjoy having someone to go to a play or a museum with?

Seniors Helping Seniors® is a non-medical homecare company that can provide these and more services to you. Our caregivers, mostly seniors themselves, provide understanding and quality care to those we serve. Our goal is to help who would like to age in their own homes gracefully.

We can be contacted at 440-759-0319 or by email sdjones@shsohio.com.  Our website is www.seniorcarecuyahoga.com and like us on Facebook at Seniors Helping Seniors/Western Cuyahoga.