5 Ways To Improve Memory Power and Boost Brain Health

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The Terraces at Bonita Springs

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Feb 04, 2022

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Florida - Southwest

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Over the years, we've learned more and more about the role that our brains play in overall wellness. This powerhouse of an organ runs everything in your body, from your physical movements to your emotional state and more. That's why there's such an emphasis on keeping our brains healthy as we age, particularly since memory decline is a common occurrence as we get older.
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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The Terraces at Bonita Springs

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LifeCare: 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.

The Terraces at Bonita Springs

Independent Living

Your Personal Retreat for Socialization and RelaxationThe Terraces at Bonita Springs offers a stunning living environment, the finest resort-style amenities and services and the security of predictable pricing for health care as a LifeCare resident.Choose from a one-, two- or three-bedroom floor plan; options include breakfast nooks, dens and additional half- and full-baths. Each residence comes with the finest finishes and appliances, lacking only in your personal touches.Our hospitable associates take care of all the maintenance, cooking and cleaning so you can enjoy a vibrant and connected lifestyle.Resident Services LifeCare health services with priority accessChef-prepared mealsInterior and exterior maintenanceWeekly housekeeping and flat linen servicesConcierge servicesPersonal one-car garageComplimentary valet parkingWellness programs for mind, body and spiritVitality program with personalized wellness plansUtilities (except phone and internet)24-hour securityProperty taxes includedCultural, social, educational and recreational eventsTransportation servicesIn-home emergency alert systemsCommunity AmenitiesMultiple dining venuesState-of-the-art fitness center and wellness programsIndoor and outdoor pool and spa, group water fitness classesCertified fitness instructorsTherapeutic massagePerforming Arts CenterGated communityBeautiful landscaping with lighted walkwaysTennis and bocce courtsPutting greenOutdoor BBQ areaLibrary and resource centerBusiness center with computersCreative arts studio and crafts roomBilliards room/game roomBeauty salon/barbershopGuest suitesActivities CalendarEvery service, activity and amenity available to you is thoughtfully planned with your interests in mind.Exquisite DiningOur elegant restaurant and casual bistro provide just the dining experiences you are looking for.Area AttractionsRetirement life at The Terraces means youre just minutes from beaches, shopping, fine dining and entertainment choices.LifestyleLife at The Terraces is designed to be beautiful, maintenance-free and worry-free.

OakBridge Terrace at The Terraces

Memory Care

Memory Care in Bonita Springs, FloridaIf you are searching for memory care near me and live in southwest Florida, youve found the perfect place for you and your loved one.Located in Bonita Springs and convenient to those in Estero and North Naples, memory care at Renaissance at The Terraces offers those living with Alzheimers disease or dementia a beautiful, comfortable and welcoming place to call home. With the exceptional memory care, elegant setting and thoughtful lifestyles offered, Renaissance delivers the quality memory care experience that families expect for their loved ones.BROWSE OUR FLOOR PLANSMemory Care that Embraces the Whole FamilyFor those living with Alzheimers or other forms of dementia, (including Lewy body dementia) and for their families, the effects of memory loss can be devastating. We understand. Our exceptional care embraces everyone involved, from our residents to their families. Our trained memory care team works closely with residents every day. Our purpose is to engage each individual in a way that resonates with them personally; this approach respects their choices, promotes their remaining abilities and supports their independence in a safe environment. We also offer support and education for families, helping them to understand and cope with the challenges presented by Alzheimers and dementia. Renaissance, as well as all of The Terraces at Bonita Springs, welcomes family members to not only visit their loved ones but to also take advantage of every amenity offered within our senior living community. After all, this is where their loved one lives this is home. We welcome them to treat it as such. What does that mean to you? It means feeling at home at Renaissance. It means taking a stroll through the grounds. Soaking up the sun by the pool. This community is designed to allow everyone to live well. It means letting us provide care and support while you enjoy being family again.Personalized Alzheimers and Dementia CareWe believe theres no substitute for personalized attention. To us, memory care is only effective when it is incredibly personal, so we get personal. We take the time to get to know our residents. We learn their life stories and really get to know who they are. Through the smallest details residents interests, careers, family histories and favorite foods we can develop personalized dementia care plans and create positive emotional experiences that help stabilize residents moods without relying on pharmacology. Its an innovative approach to memory care in southwest Florida.State-of-the-Art Memory Care FacilityOur memory care facility in Renaissance is state-of-the-art, featuring a neighborhood concept that helps decrease residents anxiety, with common spaces to encourage socialization. No detail has been overlooked; no comfort has been spared. Our residents enjoy spacious private residences with nurses close by, allowing us to provide even better care. Rated 5 stars from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, families can be confident in the quality of our memory care services.Memory Care and Service Details:24-hour licensed nurses available24-hour Certified Nurses Aide assistanceRecreational therapistSecure environmentDedicated professionals specially trained to care for those with memory lossPersonalized care plan tailored to meet unique needs and preferencesSpacious, private studio residences with full private bathsAll utilities provided, including basic cableInclusive pricingMemory boxes to help residents locate their residence independentlySpacious activity and common areas designed to promote social interactionEnclosed courtyard for safe outdoor activities such as walking and family visitsInteractive and socially stimulating programming designed for those with memory loss