Brain-storming your way to longevity

As you get older, your body and brain go through natural changes.

It's a good idea to maintain your brain lifespan (your brain-span!!), but technically your 40s are the ideal decade to focus on developing behaviours that enhance cognitive health and performance. Why?!

Because you may have slowed down (or at least settled down) a little at this stage of your life. After decades of big life transitions through your 20s and 30s (College! Starting a profession! Moving cities!).

Let’s say for example, if you have kids, your day may consist of the standard family routine: dropping the kids off at school, doing a ton of errands and chores, picking them up after soccer practice, preparing a quick supper, going to bed, and repeating.

Or perhaps your day is occupied by business-related tasks, such as working long hours at the office or managing your own firm.

Maybe the two of those circumstances describe your day as well (or none of the above).

Gertrude Weaver, one of the last persons still alive who was born in the 1800s, attributed her 116 years to just showing compassion. She believed in treating people well and being good towards other individuals in the manner we want them to be nice to us. She also indicated how avoiding drinking or smoking, as well as obtaining enough sleep, helped her live longer

There are certain things you can do to assist in decreasing any memory loss and reduce your chance of getting Alzheimer's or another dementia, though.

It's critical that your brain can keep up no matter where you are in life.

This article gives you a list to keep your brain in top shape:

1. Following a Mediterranean diet

A Mediterranean diet has been shown to help lower Alzheimer's disease risk compared to those who don't eat this way.

Studies have shown that extra-virgin olive oil and other healthy fats such as omega fatty acids, which are necessary for our cells to operate properly, appear to lower our risk of heart diseases, improve concentration, and prevent cognitive decline in older people.

2. Staying mentally active

Our brain is like a muscle.

We have to exercise to keep it strong. One may engage in a variety of mental exercises to keep one's brain in tip-top form, including Sudoku and crossword puzzles, reading, playing cards, and jigsaw puzzle construction. We have to think of it as cerebral cross-training. Therefore, we have to mix up tasks to boost brain efficiency.

3. Continue to be socially active

Social connection prevents despair and stress, two conditions that might worsen memory loss.

If you live alone, especially, look for ways to interact with family, friends, and other people. As solitary confinement has been linked to brain-related problems in studies, maintaining a social life will have the opposite impact and promote brain health.

Conclusion

Including brain-supporting practices in our daily routine now will enable us to live a long, healthy life in body, mind, and spirit.

Our brain will appreciate all efforts to support it both now and in the future, whether we choose to take a daily pill for brain longevity, increase the amount of fatty fish in your weekly menu, or join the garden club in our neighbourhood.