Often when a New Year dawns, many people vow to improve their health and they focus upon physical aspects. While these are positive goals, the mind often goes forgotten and its health is of utmost importance. Seniors in particular can benefit from simple activities that will keep their minds active and engaged. This way, memories they make in the New Year, will be ones they have the chance to remember.

1. Keep your brain active – use training sessions that keep your brain active regularly. Try memory games, activities that require skill and logic, or learn new skills in order to help keep your brain on its figurative toes!

2. Snap out of your routine – when you follow the same routine day after day, your brain is no longer actively engaged. Simply by doing the same routine tasks in different ways you can keep your brain sharp

3. Think positively – since stress can affect memory, think positively about all aspects of your life. Don’t expect that your memory is likely to fail simply because of family history. Understand that you can take some control over your future in a positive way!

Via: AARP

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Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

According to a study published in the Journal of Neurology, a direct correlation exists between physical fitness and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease; a cognitive condition which affects a large portion of the senior population in Houston. According to the study which looked at 121 seniors over the age of 60, many of whom were in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, those who were routinely physically active had four times less brain shrinkage than those who lead more sedentary lifestyles. Based on previous evidence, decreasing brain volume is linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia, so a regular fitness routine can actually help prevent future cognitive problems as well.

Throughout the aging process, it’s important to remain active, even if it means just getting out to take a walk, going for a swim, or completing a series of stretches at home. Houston seniors will not only improve their overall health through routine exercise, they will also increase the blood flow from the heart to the brain, which improves brain functioning and prevents the onset of other diseases which can aggravate mental conditions like Alzheimer’s.

Seniors in Houston shouldn’t feel that it’s too late to begin an exercise program at anytime in their lives; they can start small and slowly build up their endurance to greater activities for the optimal benefits to the body and the mind.

Sources:
1.    About
2.    BBC News

Home Care Houston Southeast serving elders in the Bay Area; Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, League City, & Pearland - call (281) 484-0200.

Home Care Houston South Central serving seniors in Meyerland, Bellaire, Missouri City, Sugar Land, & Stafford - call 713-774-2215.

Home Care Houston Southwest serving aging adults in Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fushear, Sugar Land, Stafford, Memorial City & Galleria areas - call 832 379-4700.

Home Care Houston Northwest serving older adults in Humble, Katy, Spring, Cypress, and Tomball - call 281-440-5160.