As the new year continues, many people have made resolutions regarding their physical health, but it’s just as important to focus on brain health, especially for older adults, according to experts.
“As people age, they may experience stressors such as serious illness, losing close friends and family members, managing life on a fixed income and coping with concerns about their own mortality. While seniors may show resilience to these dimensions of vitality, when they’re compounded, these losses and stressors can result in a myriad of behavioral health issues, including depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia,” said Lindsay Evans-Mitchell, board certified adult psychiatrist and behavioral health medical director.
Dementia, which includes memory loss and language difficulties, is another issue often more pronounced with age, and in earlier stages, it often can mimic some symptoms of depression.
Fortunately, Evans-Mitchell says making healthy choices can improve your quality of life, including your overall well-being and potentially reduce your risk of both depression and dementia:
Practice good nutrition
There is evidence that plant-based diets are associated with better health, including better emotional health. That’s another reason to add more green, leafy vegetables to your diet.
Exercise
Regular exercise can positively affect cognitive ability.
Hydrate
Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can negatively affect cognitive performance. Even mild dehydration can drain energy and cause fatigue.
Enjoy some sunshine
Sunlight provides needed vitamin D. Getting sunshine can increase your serotonin and help you stave off depression caused by Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Also, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, exposure to vitamin D can lower dementia risk by as much as 40%. Of course, make sure to take proper precautions, such as wearing a hat, using sunscreen and wearing eye protection that shields against UV light.
Get plenty of rest
Older adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night, according to the National Institutes of Health. People who get six hours of sleep or less per night are at greater risk of developing dementia later, the organization says. Additionally, poor sleep could be a sign of depression and should be discussed with your doctor.
Stay away from harmful substances
Dealing with behavioral health issues in unhealthy ways, such as abusing prescription or illicit drugs or alcohol, will worsen the situation. According to the National Institutes for Health, research shows alcohol use can increase the risk of dementia and depression.
Pick up a hobby
Hobbies like gardening, cooking and solving puzzles can help improve your memory and your physical and brain health.
Be social
Isolation can lead to depression, which only worsened for many during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reach out to friends and family in person, via video chat, or over the telephone.
Find help if you need it
Keep your regular medical appointments, and don’t hesitate to seek additional help from your network, if you need it. This might take the form of a financial advisor, a clergy member or a mental health professional. Medicare generally covers the cost of behavioral health services, including depression and addiction treatment, as well as talk therapy. Virtual services often are available to those living in rural areas. And if you’re experiencing a crisis that includes suicidal thoughts, call 988 immediately.
“For some older adults, seeking help can be difficult,” said Evans-Mitchell. “But getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There’s no benefit to suffering in silence when help to improve your life is within reach.”
