Does Retirement Trigger A Decrease In Health?

[Ronaldnaiw]

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As a person ages they can begin to lose their mental acuity. While these lapses may be as simple as forgetting where a person placed their keys or not remembering a familiar name, they can be mitigated or even prevented by keeping our brains smart. At Waverly Heights, an assisted living facility in Villanova, we strive to provide acute and personal care for each of our residents. Not only do we offer memory support assistance, but also we have a myriad of programs and activities like lectures, book clubs, puzzles and more to keep the mind sharp.

Never Stop Learning

Just because a senior citizen is no longer attending college does not mean that they have to stop learning. Instead, the more education a person has the better their mental state will be. Many local community colleges, universities and even retirement communities offer classes for the elderly. Challenging the brain with mental exercise helps to stimulate individual brain cells that promote a healthy lifestyle. Whether it be attending a guest lecture on a complex topic or learning a new hobby, it is imperative to learn new skills that keep the brain operating at peak efficiency.

Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

When a person needs to remember something important whether it’s an appointment or a name, the more times the phrase or date is repeated the higher the likelihood that it will not be forgotten. When meeting lots of new people, train the brain to remember a name by consistently repeating it. For example, go up to someone new and ask their name. Once it is given, repeat the name back to them and ask if they have met “John” who is standing by the food. If necessary, associate a person’s name with a familiar animal or food for further recognition.

Eat Fish

According to recent studies, people who eat fish at least once a week are significantly less likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease. Look for foods that are high in DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that promotes healthy brain functioning. The best fish to consume are salmon, tuna and cod. In addition, avoid junk food like processed candy and fast food. Instead, focusing on eating a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and lots of protein.

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