Page 61 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2026 - Online Magazine

SENIOR RESOURCES

10 Healthy Habits

for Your Brain

aking care of your brain is an important part of 6. Control your blood pressure. Medications can help
staying healthy, at any age. Research shows that lower high blood pressure. And healthy habits like eating
Thealthy behaviors may reduce the risk of cognitive right and physical activity can help, too. Work with a
decline and help reduce the risk of dementia. A recent health care provider to control your blood pressure.
poll reported that retired Americans fear developing
dementia more than any other condition. 7. Manage diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented
or controlled by healthier eating, increasing physical
While some brain changes are inevitable as we age, a activity, and medication, if necessary.
growing body of research suggests that adopting healthy
behaviors, including healthy eating, exercising regularly, 8. Eat right. Eating healthier foods can help reduce your
not smoking, and staying cognitively engaged may help risk of cognitive decline. This includes more vegetables
our brain health at any age. and leaner meats/proteins, along with foods that are less
processed and lower in fat. Choose healthier meals and
Based on mounting scientific evidence, the Alzheimer’s snacks that you enjoy and are available to you. Make
Association offers these 10 healthy habits for your brain. eating right a habit!
Follow as many of these 10 tips as possible to achieve
maximum benefits for the brain and body. 9. Maintain a healthy weight. Talk to your health care
provider about the weight that is healthy for you. Other
1. Challenge your mind. Be curious. Put your brain to healthy habits on this list—eating right, physical activity
work and do something that is new for you. Learn a new and sleep—can help with maintaining a healthy weight.
skill. Try something artistic. Challenging your mind may
have short- and long-term benefits for your brain. 10. Sleep well. Good quality sleep is important for
brain health. Stay off screens before bed and make your
2. Stay in school. Education reduces your risk of sleep space as comfortable as possible. Do all you can
cognitive decline and dementia. Encourage youth to to minimize disruptions. If you have any sleep-related
stay in school and pursue the highest level of training problems, such as sleep apnea, talk to a health care
possible. Continue your own education by taking a class provider.
at a local library, college, or online.
The brain is our most valuable asset. We need to be
3. Get moving. Engage in regular exercise. This intentional about caring for it. As Thomas Edison
includes activities that raise your heart rate and increase famously postulated, “The chief function of the body is
blood flow to the brain and body. Find ways to build to carry the brain around.”
more movement into your day—walking, dancing,
gardening—whatever works for you!

4. Protect your head. Help prevent an injury to your West Texas Chapter
head. Wear a helmet for activities like biking and wear a
seatbelt. Do what you can to prevent falls, especially for Access Free Care, Support,
Awareness, & Education Events.
older adults.
Become A Volunteer Today.
5. Be smoke-free. Quitting smoking can lower the risk of
cognitive decline back to levels similar to those who have Register for Your Local Walk. 800.272.3900
24/7 Helpline
not smoked. It’s never too late to stop. alz.org/westtexas
Request a Free Presentation westtexas@alz.org
for your group of 10 or more.

Lubbock Senior Link 61