Retirement brings freedom, relaxation, and a satisfying sense of purpose from accomplishing a dream job. To most people, it is a well-deserved reward earned after years of hard work. However, what most retirees do post-working years can impact the quality of their lives. And without the right plan in place, they could fall victim to retirement boredom.
While maintaining a good diet and exercise is crucial, brain stimulation is equally important. Just like other muscles, the brain needs to maintain its function through exercise. Here are effective ways to exercise the brain after retirement.
Learn
The brain controls memory, planning, and decision-making. In most cases, retirement limits the opportunities to be emotionally active, and older individuals' cognitive abilities may be affected. However, since reading is a visual exercise, it can help maintain memory and function.
To ensure that older adults get the most out of post-working life, they should read often. They can also consider taking classes in scrapbooking, cooking, and drawing.
Stay Social
Social interaction is essential to every aspect of human life. Maintaining an active social life even after retirement is important. Research has shown that retaining an active social life may protect the brain from Neurodegenerative Diseases. While staying connected can be challenging, social isolation can negatively impact a senior's psychological well-being. Seniors can become actively involved by:
- Volunteering
- Traveling
- Embracing social media
- Taking a class
Eat More Brain Food
Another great way of ensuring that the brain is in its peak working condition is by consuming more of the brain foods. Spinach, fish, almonds, oats, and blueberries are among the best. They are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which may help lower the risks of age-related diseases such as dementia.
Play Brain Games
Brain games such as chess, card games, trivia quizzes, or bingo are excellent choices for stimulating cognitive abilities. Not only do they exercise the brain, but they also keep seniors entertained and improve their social lives. Seniors can use their phones to sign up for brain training apps. These downloadable apps enhance problem-solving skills and concentration.
Get Enough Sleep
Sufficient sleep is essential to healthy living because it improves thinking, learning, and memory. Lack of sleep, however, could lead to various health problems such as depression. According to National Sleep Foundation, the recommended sleeping duration for older adults is seven to eight hours. On the other hand, too much or too little sleep might lower cognitive abilities.
Seniors with an active lifestyle and a well-planned day-to-day routine tend to have more natural sleep patterns than those with a sedentary lifestyle.
At Senior Helpers Portland West, we are a fully licensed and insured home care agency. We offer in-home care for seniors living in Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Lake Oswego. Our services range from companionship care to specialized care for loved ones with Alzheimer's, Dementia, Parkinson's, and other chronic diseases.
So whether you are looking for in-home care for your loved one or have a client who might need our services, contact us for help.