Key Topics Discussed
Cognitive health matters at every age: it governs memory, problem-solving, and decision-making, and decline can start young (not just with seniors), especially with excessive passive screen time.
Mental exercises and brain health: puzzles (crosswords, Sudoku), brain-training apps, and learning new skills (languages, instruments) challenge the brain and may build “cognitive reserve,” though consistency is key since benefits fade without regular practice.
Physical exercise helps with brain health too: of all lifestyle factors, research points to physical activity as the most impactful for cognitive health.
A holistic lifestyle rounds it out: quality sleep, a nutrient-rich diet, stress management, and regular check-ups all work together with brain exercises for lasting cognitive health.
Cognitive exercises like doing crossword puzzles, brain-training apps on your phone, and even learning new skills help keep the brain sharp by challenging memory, problem-solving, and reasoning. Combined with quality sleep, a nutrient-rich diet, regular physical activity, and stress management, these assist in long-term cognitive health at any age.
Cognitive health usually doesn’t get the same attention as physical health, but it can have just as important a role in determining your quality of life as you get older. The good news: research shows that, like working out the muscles in the body, regularly engaging the brain through targeted exercises can help build “cognitive reserve,” making the mind stronger and more resilient against age-related brain decline. Let’s break down the best cognitive exercises to try, plus the lifestyle habits that work alongside them to keep your brain and body functioning at their best.
What Is Cognitive Health?
Cognitive health refers to the ability of an individual’s brain to efficiently perform essential functions like memory, learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and attention span. We can think of cognitive health like a well-tended garden. Just as a garden requires regular care, pruning, water and nourishment to flourish, our cognitive health needs constant attention through mental exercises, learning, and a healthy lifestyle to thrive as well.
The Importance of Cognitive Health for Seniors
It’s important to note that taking care of our cognitive health is important for everyone, not just older adults. Cognitive decline can happen at any age when the mind is not being taken care of and exercised. Evidence already shows a positive association between more screen time in children and cognitive decline. Cognitive health is particularly vital for seniors due to the natural aging process. As we age, our brains undergo changes that can lead to cognitive decline. This decline can result in difficulties with memory, reduced ability to learn new information, and a slower thinking process. These changes can impact daily life, making tasks we once found simple more challenging.
How Can We Help Our Brains Stay Sharp?
Numerous studies suggest that engaging in cognitive exercises can help maintain cognitive health. These exercises stimulate the brain, challenging it to adapt and grow. While the findings are promising, it’s important that we mention that more research is needed to solidify these claims. Though many studies have found promising evidence that cognitive stimulation can improve cognitive health, the studies involved small sample sizes of people and could benefit from being longer. Most of these studies also mention that cognitive exercises require consistent practice, much like physical exercise, for noticeable benefits. Often showing great results in the short term, but unfortunately, results tend to diminish the longer the time passes since performing said exercises.
Scientists have stated that such activities may protect the brain by building a “cognitive reserve.” They may aid the brain in becoming more adaptable in some mental functions so it can compensate for age-related brain changes and health conditions that affect the brain. If you want to take control of your cognitive health, here are some functional exercises you can incorporate into your life to help keep your mind-“garden” nourished and vibrant.
Crossword Puzzles, Sudoku & Other Similar Exercises
These puzzles engage memory, problem-solving, and logical thinking. This is why our Education Facilitators (who are also certified in fall prevention) bring such puzzles to our free one-on-one consultations.*
Brain-Training Apps
There are so many apps designed to improve memory, attention, and cognitive function. Though some evidence does point to increased “screen time” as a cause for cognitive decline, it also states that it really depends on what we do in front of the screen. If all we do is spend our time on Facebook and watching various videos, then yes, this is the case. But if we instead spend our time in front of the screen exercising our brain, evidence has shown that this can actually help improve cognitive functions.
Learning New Skills
Learning a new language, picking up a musical instrument, or a hobby challenges the brain and fosters continuous learning. Plus, it can be very fun and rewarding to be able to do something that you previously couldn’t!
Daily Exercises Can Only Do So Much!
Like most aspects of health, a holistic approach is best. Apart from exercises, are there other things we should think about and pursue to help our cognition? Of course! Some other things significantly impacting cognitive health are:
Your Diet
Eating a balanced diet that’s rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and other important nutrients supports your brain health.
Getting Enough Sleep
Making sure you’re getting enough sleep is really important for memory consolidation and overall cognitive function.
Physical Exercise
Regular physical activity improves blood flow to the brain and enhances cognitive function. In fact, the large majority of findings point to physical exercise as the most important thing when it comes to cognitive health.
Getting Regular Check-ups
Routine visits with your doctor for medical check-ups can help you identify and address cognitive health issues early.
Managing Your Stress
Chronic stress can negatively impact cognitive health, so practicing relaxation techniques and consulting professionals when needed is important.
Hopefully, we now have a better understanding of why exercising and taking care of our brain is just as important as our body. Our cognitive health is just as important as our bone, heart or muscle health. Engaging in cognitive exercises and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help maintain mental sharpness. Yes, more research is still needed, but as noted, the early evidence is promising!
Disclaimer
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This article is meant to be informational in nature and should not replace the advice of a trained healthcare professional or financial professional. What works for some individuals, might be harmful to others. Consult a professional before making any significant changes.