By The Greens at Greenwich    |    June 1, 2019

Forgetfulness and issues with memory are common complaints among seniors. Not being able to remember past events or experiencing short-term memory loss is all too familiar as we get older. However, there are lifestyle changes that you can make to help improve your memory at any age.  Here are some helpful ways to keep your brain healthy:

Exercise
Getting out and moving is a great way to boost your memory. Studies have shown that when people exercise, blood flow increases to the brain and helps it to function better. Toxins can be eliminated, by the increased flow of blood, and can be cycled out of the body through the liver and kidneys.

Diet
Eating a protein-rich, antioxidant diet can be beneficial to seniors who are starting to experience memory issues.

Some foods that are considered brain boosters are:
• Avocados: Known as brain food, avocados are rich with vitamin B, C, K, and folate. They have actually been shown to prevent strokes, improve cognitive function, and help retain memory.
• Beets: Beets are a superfood that reduces inflammation, is high in antioxidants, and can actually help rid your blood of toxins. They also increase blood flow to the brain.
• Blueberries: Blueberries are one of the high antioxidants-rich foods. They are also loaded with vitamin C, K, and fiber. The lesser know gallic acid, which is useful for protecting brains, is also found in blueberries.
• Broccoli: Loaded with vitamin C and K, broccoli is powerful brain food.
• Celery: Celery is an underrated food. It is rich with natural anti-inflammatories, which is excellent for brain health. It is high in antioxidants. Celery is also loaded with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
• Dark Chocolate: Chocolate, specifically dark chocolate, is healthy food. Rich with flavonols, dark chocolate is a fantastic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory food. Flavonols have been proven to lower blood pressure and improve blow flow.
• Egg Yolks: Choline has been found in egg yolks and is excellent for brain health.
• Green Leafy Vegetable: Packed with vitamin A, K, and calcium, green leafy vegetables are fantastic for fighting inflammation, nourishing the brain, and keeping your bones strong.
• Salmon: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is a fantastic food for brain health.
• Turmeric: Turmeric is a fantastic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. By reducing unwanted inflammation in the body, you can improve the oxygen intake to the brain. This helps with helping you feel awake, alert, and capable of processing information.
• Walnuts: High in antioxidants, walnuts help to improve mental alertness. They are also rich with Vitamin E, which is excellent for nourishing the brain.

Engage the Brain
The Greens at Greenwich provides a regular program of creative arts therapies and activities to engage the brain in active and meaningful ways. Creative arts therapies improve and enhance the physical as well as the emotional well being of residents through drama, dance, art and music.  Brain exercises, such as crossword puzzles, word searches and games are also great ways to exercise and engage the brain.

Quality Sleep
A night of good, sound sleep is underrated. The brain needs sleep to rest, sort out the events of the day, and retain memories. Many things can interrupt sleep, which can take its toll on the brain. Pain, an old mattress, and sleep apnea can all make getting a good night sleep challenging.

Eliminate Stress
Stress is one of the worse things for good brain health. When we are stressed out, we cannot sleep well, we don’t eat right, and our bodies react in unusual ways. By eliminating stress from our lives, we can improve the health of our brains.

Socialize
Spending quality time with friends and family is a great memory booster. Not only does talking about past events help to retain our memory, but it also helps to create new ones.

The Greens at Greenwich provides a safe environment for people diagnosed with any forms of memory impairment.  The entire staff, including the chef, is trained to help older people who have memory issues or dementia. Each resident has an individualized care plan that provides an environment where s/he can discover new ways to celebrate the gift of life every day.