healthy aging

We all know the many advantages to staying physically active as we age – lessened threat of stroke and heart attack, obesity, diabetes, and others. But it’s likewise necessary to keep our brains active and healthy, and because September is Healthy Aging Month, the team at Live Free Home Health Care knows it is the perfect time to review this quick checklist to ensure that we and our elderly loved ones are taking the appropriate measures to stretch and strengthen our minds.

  1. Stay active. Exercise is a critical component in the growth of new brain cells and restoration of those in need of repair. Furthermore, it adds to our condition of alertness and efficiency through the duration of the day, as per Owen Carmichael, Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s associate professor and director of biomedical imaging.
  2. Never stop learning. Earning a college degree should never signal the ending of our education, and ongoing learning is vital to a healthy brain. The good news is, any type of learning at all is effective, whether that’s an advanced calculus program or simply picking up a new hobby such as knitting, a musical instrument, or a new language. It can even consist of such new achievements as learning to draw or comb your hair with your non-dominant hand.
  3. Remain calm. In the process of staying physically and mentally alert and active, it’s necessary to include ample downtime to relax and to ensure adequate amounts of sleep. Schedule allocated time every day for relaxing, enjoyable activities like reading, writing in a diary, spending time outside, etc.
  4. Maintain a healthy diet. Help to guard your brain against risk of disease and cognitive impairment with a diet high in monounsaturated fats (such as those found in avocados and olive oil) and low in saturated fats (including butter, cheese and beef).
  5. Keep social. Research conducted recently linked isolation and decreased socialization with an increased risk of dementia. Plan regular lunch dates, card games, and get-togethers with friends and loved ones, and join a club or activity to establish new friendships.

Live Free Home Health Care’s New Hampshire home care services can help in a variety of ways to help keep seniors active, engaged and thriving! Our fully trained, experienced and compassionate senior care specialists are experienced in providing companionship to boost socialization, creating appealing, balanced meals, offering safe, reliable transportation and accompaniment to exercise programs, classes and activities of interest, and so much more! Celebrate Healthy Aging Month by reaching out to us at 603-217-0149 to learn more about how our customized in-home care services can improve quality of life for your senior loved one!