How To Stay Sane And Positive When You Live Alone As A Senior?

Here are some tips to help your mental health as an older adult while living alone during quarantine, lockdown, Covid…

Healthy Foods

Yes, what you put in your mouth affects brain function. As we have learned through the years, your diet affects all aspects of your physical and mental well-being and overall health. Click here to read more…..

Exercise your Body

Exercise is one tool – by boosting your exercise and level of activity, you will also increase brain volume. Studies show that seniors performed better on cognitive tests after a 6-month exercise program of daily walks. The reason being that exercise increases blood flow to the brain.

Exercise your Brain

Yes, it is proven that your brain benefits from stimulation and exercise. The senior’s brain can be nurtured and enhanced. Stimulate your brain with crossword puzzles, interaction with people – join a club or organization where you interact with other people, join a discussion group, .pick a subject every week and do research and learn about the subject, read the paper and keep up with current events. Click here to read more…..

Your Brain on Med’s

Certain medications can fog up your concentration. Sedatives and seizure control drugs can make a brain “foggy”. Also, a class of drugs called anticholinergics can have the same effect. If you notice a marked change in your concentration abilities after starting a new drug, make sure you discuss this with your doctor. Your physician may have other drug options that won’t cause this problem.

Depression Increases with Age

Unfortunately, depression is a problem with many seniors especially with a loss of a spouse. Adjusting to life without someone who has been by your side for decades can be a huge adjustment for many.

Sleep

In these times when having sleep issues is as common a condition as you will find – young and old. Lack of good quality shut-eye will definitely have a negative impact on your mental clarity. Take whatever steps to remove bad habits that may be affecting your sleep quality. If the problem has become a major problem in your everyday functions, you should talk to your doctor about a possible referral to a sleep clinic.

Supplements

As our body ages the ability to extract the benefits of Vitamin B12 from foods we eat such as meat, fish, and milk, diminishes. Vitamin B12 can improve our mental speed and clarity. B12 can be taken as a supplement or in some cases by injection.

Calm Your Mind

Promoting health and fighting the stress many of us live with starts in your mind. Being able to live in the moment rather than dwelling in the past and worrying about the future can calm the mind and negatively affects our ability to be happy and healthy. Studies have shown that meditation, Tai Chi, and other practices have a positive impact. We all know that stress can lead to ill health and medical malady’s that can even lead to death. Mind calming practices can not only improve your day-to-day existence it can have a positive impact on your life for years to come.

Memory

If you ask anyone over 40 the primary concern they have as far as brain power the number one answer by far is the loss of memory.  As we age our brain may find it more difficult to retain and recall information and memories. Experts estimate that as of 2010 35.6 million people live with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. You have various ways to combat the erosion of memory function. Lifestyle changes can really help.