5 Ways To Improve Memory Power and Boost Brain Health
The Terraces at Bonita Springs
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Feb 04, 2022
Florida - Southwest
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There is a reason why little memory lapses are known as senior moments ,says Michele Wasserlauf, Executive Director at The Terraces at Bonita Springs. Our mental capabilities start do slow in our 60s and 70s, and that's natural just like how our physical abilities decline, especially if we aren't vigilant about using them.
That's why, says Michele, its important for seniors to take steps to keep memory and brain health as strong as possible. Our brains are very much the definition of use it or lose it, Michele explains. Taking steps now to keep your brain running at peak performance will pay off greatly as you age.
In honor of Healthy Aging Month, we've put together some information on how to improve brain health and memory function. These are all things that you can start putting into practice today, no matter how old or young you may be.
How Can You Protect Your Brain from Cognitive Decline?
When we hear the words cognitive decline, many of us automatically jump to the conclusion that were talking about dementias like Alzheimer's disease. However, cognitive decline is simply the decline of mental function due to age or another underlying reason. According to the article25 Ways To Improve Your Memory, our brains are particularly adept at forming new connections and strengthening mental sharpness even once cognitive decline is experienced. Here are some lifestyle tips to follow.
Learn something new. Taking a class, learning a language, playing an instrument or picking up a new hobby are all great ways to get your brain active and engaged. Learning a new skill requires repetition, problem-solving, memory skills and curiosity. These are all important factors when it comes to keeping brain cells active and brains healthy. As with any form of exercise which learning a new activity can be its important to choose something that interests you and doesn't force you to go at a breakneck pace. Brain exercises, crossword puzzles and other cognitive games are great ways to enhance memory and improve cognitive abilities.
Eat a healthy diet. Our diet influences so many aspects of our overall health. Eating a diet that is focused on keeping your heart healthy will provide benefits for your cardiovascular system and your brain (since the brain is fueled by the oxygen-rich blood that is pumped through your body). Its important to check with your doctor and get medical advice about any dietary restrictions or needs you might have, but here are some general rules to follow:
Choose dark leafy greens, like kale, spinach and Swiss chard
Eat foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish like mackerel and sardines
Opt for healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocados and other nuts and seeds
Snack on berries and dark chocolate, which are rich in antioxidants and can help your body fight against free radicals
Look for other brain-boosting vitamins and minerals like beta carotene
Get regular amounts of exercise. Exercise goes hand in hand with a healthy diet as a tentpole of a healthy lifestyle. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity at least 5 days a week. Exercise can be just about anything that gets your heart pumping and your blood moving. Gardening, walking around the block, dancing and cleaning the house are all acceptable and beneficial forms of exercise.
Hang out with friends and family. Staying socially connected boosts brain health in many ways. Being social reduces stress, improves mood, stabilizes emotions, keeps us mentally active and boosts serotonin production in our brains (the happy hormone). A lot of times, social events can be paired with other brain-healthy activities like exercise or taking a class. Its also been proven that eating with others helps older adults eat healthier and make better food choices. So when you're going out to dinner, having coffee with a friend or going on a walk together, you're not just nurturing relationships you're feeding your brain!
Get quality sleep regularly.
Getting a good nights sleep is essential to your brain health. Recent research has found that restful sleep helps to clear our brains of beta amyloids, which are proteins that have been linked to the development of dementias like Alzheimer's disease. In order to get the best possible rest, make sure that you practice good sleep hygiene. This includes making sure your bedroom is at a comfortable temperature and is dark and quiet. Having a nighttime routine can help get your body and mind ready for sleep, too. Be sure to avoid alcohol and caffeine too late at night, and be sure to turn off any screens at least one hour before bedtime.
Senior living communities like The Terraces at Bonita Springs encourage a brain-healthy lifestyle, says Michele. With senior living events, nutritious meals, engaging activities and events, socialization opportunities, fitness classes and more, seniors will find that keeping their brains healthy and active has never been easier or more fun.
About The Terraces at Bonita Springs
Recreation, special events, holiday celebrations, educational programs, guest speakers and a variety of inspiring activities take place throughout the year at The Terraces at Bonita Springs as part of the community's active lifestyle programs. The Terraces is the only Life Plan Community for senior living in the Bonita Springs area. Living choices include independent living, assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing and rehabilitation. All levels of care, including assisted living, skilled nursing and memory support, are open for direct admittance with no entrance fee.
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Oasis High students provide tech support to local retirees
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Local Services By This Author
The Terraces at Bonita Springs
Housing - Other Types 26455 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, Florida, 34134LifeCare: Providing Security and a Plan for YourFutureLife is full of surprises. Being prepared for the future can put your mind at ease. As a Life Plan Community, The Terraces at Bonita Springs combines maintenance-free living with financial and long-term health care security including preservation of your hard-earned assets.Our Lifecare plan provides residents with the confidence and security of having a plan for the future. The plan provides full access to on-siteassisted living,memory support,skilled nursingandrehabilitationservices atRenaissance at The Terraces.A one-time entrance fee is available in refundable and nonrefundable options and health care coverage begins as soon as you need it. A monthly service fee covers the cost of every amenity, convenience and service we offer.
OakBridge Terrace at The Terraces
Assisted Living 26475 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, Florida, 34134Inclusive Assisted Living: Hospitality With CompassionFor those who require a helping hand with daily activities, assisted living offers the ideal balance of personalized service and independence. If youre in Southwest Florida and searching for assisted living near me, look no further than Renaissance, our resort-style Bonita Springs assisted living community. Here we help older adults live independently with access to care whenever and however they need it. Our inclusive assisted living fees cover everything, so residents can budget without any surprises.Assisted living provides residents assistance with basic activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing and medication management. It also provides a sense of comfort and peace of mind to residents and their loved ones, knowing that with this care, residents are able to focus more on enjoying life.But Renaissance delivers more of what discerning seniors and their families expect from assisted living. Unlike other assisted living facilities, our community offers luxury amenities and services, including spacious, beautifully appointed residences and delicious dining where senior assisted living residents can order from chef-prepared menus. Our community features a large fitness center, creative arts studio and crafts room, a courtyard with landscaped grounds, plus robust programming and activities that keep residents engaged, connected and thriving. Above all else, senior care staff members are always available to provide exceptional service so that residents feel safe and fulfilled.With compassionate care at our core, we work directly with residents and families to go over living options and tailor a plan that works best for them. We take into account personal needs, schedules and individual preferences to ensure each resident enjoys an enriching life with maximum independence.If a resident experiences an illness, injury, or surgery and requires rehabilitation or skilled nursing care, those services are available right here and may be covered by Medicare Part B. Residents enjoy the convenience and confidence of receiving the care they need in the community they love. Best of all, following care, they are able to return to their assisted living residence.Assisted Living Services & Amenities24-hour licensed nurses availableInclusive pricingAssistance with activities of daily livingSpacious one- and two-bedroom residences, complete with a kitchenette and full bathAll utilities and basic cable provided, except telephoneSocial and life-enrichment activitiesLarge creative arts studio and crafts roomOutdoor terraces for diningDedicated fitness centerOutdoor courtyard and beautifully landscaped groundsWell-appointed common areas, including a TV room, library, lounge areas and media roomScheduled complimentary transportation availableHigher levels of care are available at our Bonita Springs, FL, senior living community, under one roof. Assisted living residents who need skilled nursing, memory support, or rehabilitation can receive that care seamlessly without moving away from our retirement community.Browse Our Floor PlansArea AttractionsLifelong LearningVitality ProgramAssisted Living Care: Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)When is the right time for assisted living? Thats a question we frequently hear. People may be confused about the differences between independent living and assisted living. They may also think their loved one may need a nursing home. The answer is fairly straightforward. If your loved one needs support with activities of daily living (ADLs), assisted living is the right choice. What are activities of daily living? They are regular daily activities that are related mostly to personal care. They include bathing or showering, dressing, safely taking medications, getting in and out of bed or a chair, walking, and similar activities.If your loved one needs help with any of these, assisted living is a wonderful option to consider. Not only will your loved one receive the personalized assistance thats so essential to maintaining a sense of independence, but at Renaissance, an entire lifestyle is available that can add so much to your loved ones life. New friends. A rich social life. Programs and activities that add joy and meaning to every day. Access to a wide variety of amenities, such as our fitness center and walking paths. And of course, our dining services team makes sure your loved one enjoys healthy, delicious meals.Renaissance Service and AmenitiesAll residents of Renaissance, including those in assisted living, enjoy all the services and amenities offered within this inviting community, including:Direct admittance with no large entrance feeThree chef-prepared meals daily, served in a private dining roomAccess to a full continuum of on-site health care servicesMedical director and registered dietitianMedication monitoring and administrationWellness programsRehabilitative therapy servicesState-of-the-art equipment and treatment programsMove-in coordination support24-hour security and emergency call systemGated communitySprinkler system and smoke detectorsFire-rated and sound-resistant constructionEmergency power generatorsResidence and grounds maintenanceBeauty salon, barbershop and spa servicesHousekeeping, daily bed-making, and personal laundry service availableIndividually controlled heating and air conditioningIf you have questions about the cost of assisted living, or about any of our health care services, please contact us today.
WillowBrooke Court at The Terraces
Skilled Nursing 26475 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, Florida, 341345-Star Skilled Nursing for Changing Health NeedsWhen someone youre caring for needs more help than youre able to provide, our Medicare-certified skilled nursing offers professional care in a comfortable, homelike setting. Skilled nursing services provide long- and short-term care for those recovering from an illness or injury.Our goal is to give residents the medical assistance they need and the personal engagement and social involvement they want. We subscribe to a philosophy of choice, empowering residents to make their own decisions as much as possible. Our associates are dedicated skilled nursing professionals at Renaissance, which means they can build strong personal bonds with residents. Skilled Nursing at Renaissance is open to the public, without a large entrance fee.Services and Amenities24-hour licensed nurses availableTV room, library and lounge areaFully furnished private suites with a personal bathFlat-screen TV in each residents residenceAll utilities included, including basic cable and local telephone serviceSocial and recreational activities and eventsPhysical, speech and occupational therapiesIndustry-leading staff ratios Short-term rehabilitative careLong-term residential carePost-surgical care IV therapy Pain managementSpecialized wound careOrthopedic rehabilitationFull-time lifestyle staff