How To Help Improve Brain Health With Your Loved Ones
No matter your age, it’s always important to maintain a healthy brain mindset. You may have heard the saying before: “You’re never too old to learn”, and we could not agree more. As a matter of fact, it’s more important now than ever for seniors to keep their brain active and try and constantly learn new things. Studies have shown that senior adults who continually learn new skills are less likely to develop signs of dementia. Not only is your brain protected by lifelong learning, but the rate of depression and anxiety decreases when you and loved ones remain actively engaged in learning.
There are many amusing activities and methods to improve brain health as we grow, available for all ages! One of the biggest aspects of continued brain health and healthy longevity is to be a lifelong learner. With that said, you don’t have to read piles of textbooks and listen to dull lectures to continue learning. In this blog post, you can read about several activities and strategies to promote healthy brain power for you and the ones who matter most.
Exercise Together
Staying active has always been one of the best ways to slow down or even reverse mental decline. Physical health contributes to mental health and vice-versa, meaning the more you’re moving, the better you’re doing for yourself. While exercise has commonly been known to improve brain health, a research study by Dr. Kathrin Rehfeld showed that dancing has the biggest impact on reversing aging.
The participants in this research study were an average age of 68 years old. The participants took part in an 18-month weekly dance class which showed both an increase in the memory function of the brain as well as a profound difference in balance. Dr. Rehfeld concludes that “dance-like movements are a powerful tool to set new challenges for body and mind, especially in older age.” If you and/or your loved ones already exercise regularly, give yourselves a pat on the back. Staying fit helps with the blood flow to your brain and aids in flushing toxins out of your system.
Go Forest Bathing
If you have never heard of the term “Forest Bathing”, behold. Forest bathing, also known as “shinrin-yoku”, is simply spending time outdoors under a canopy of trees. In Japanese, “shinrin” means forest and “yoku” means bath, or immersing oneself in a forest and soaking in the atmosphere through your senses. Long forest walks, hikes and runs can all be classified as forest bathing.
Being stuck inside all the time can sometimes drive us a bit crazy. Getting outside and embracing nature can help relieve those cooped up feelings. Forest Bathing greatly improves psychological and physical health. You don’t need to go to extreme routes to partake in this activity. A local park or trail will do just fine. Find the most captivating greenery near you and your loved ones and fit it into your daily routine.
Sign Up For New Hobbies/Activities
Due to the impact of COVID-19 and the recent events affecting our air quality, many of us have taken the choice to spend our days at home. While this can be seen as a bummer for those of us with Summer/Fall plans, it also proposes an excellent opportunity for us to pick up a few new skills with our loved ones. When it comes to putting your mind to work, there are endless possibilities at home.
As an example, different kinds of companies offer a subscription to kits that are delivered regularly. These kits often contain everything you need to get started on a new and exciting hobby or craft. The kit may come with supplies, video links to instructions, and further learning opportunities. There are many food-related companies such as HelloFresh that offer healthy meal kits through a paid subscription. This is a perfect example of a healthy activity for you and senior adults to participate in together.
Hold onto that spark of curiosity and love for learning and protect your brain from experiencing possible harm. You and your loved ones can spend your valuable time embracing a wonderful future of new learning opportunities. We want everyone to stay healthy and make amazing memories for the rest of 2020!
