With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, there are a variety of topics we can discuss when it comes to brain health. What we’ll be focusing on with this particular blog, though, is simple: how do you keep your mind great and healthy? Just like any other muscle, you must exercise it! What does that mean? Well, keeping your mind engaged and healthy could possibly prevent depression and dementia.

Doctors are constantly telling adults to exercise, keep active, and move to keep their heart healthy. However, it is more than that. Exercise helps your mental health as well. According to Center of Disease Control and Prevention, depression usually coincides with other diseases in older adults. Additionally, 11. 5% of seniors who are hospitalized experience depression and about 13.5% of seniors that require help at home experience depression as well.

So how do we keep minds healthy and active longer? The answer is not the same for everyone, but there are many things you can do to not only keep your body active and healthy but your mind fit, too.

5 Ways to Keep Your Mind Engaged and Healthy

1.) Keep Moving. I know you hear over and over to keep moving to stay healthy, and it works. Exercise does help the body physically, and the benefits of exercise for the mind is amazing.  First and foremost, you know the physical activity helps keep the body healthy and helps prevent disease. However, exercise will help ward off depression, anxiety, stress, and dementia.  It is the most inexpensive and dual-rewarding therapy!

2.) Socialize with Friends and Family. Keeping social is not only fun, but also it keeps your mind healthy too. By socializing on a regular basis, you tend to extend your life and enjoyment in living. With the internet and social media, you can connect with friends and family easier. However, don’t make your socialization all online or texting with your phone; you need to chat with your friends and family “LIVE.” Pick up the phone and talk with a friend, and make an effort to meet up with family at family functions or gatherings to stay in touch and engaged with people you care about!

3.) Play Games. Nothing like a fun competitive game to keep your mind engaged and active. Start a card club or do crossword puzzles. They are both fun and keep your mind moving. How about Words with Friends? This is a popular game and challenging as well. A little mind challenge is great and sometimes you can sprinkle in a little socializing, too, to keep you smiling and happy.

4.) Get a Pet. The benefits of a companion pet are endless. You gain purpose as you care for a pet. This pet not only give you purpose in caring for something but it also challenges you to exercise and move about. A four-legged friend can be the best company for peace of mind at home or just walking around the neighborhood, too.

5.) Challenge Your Brain. Whether it is a game, a new book, or going to a different exercise class, make your brain exercise. If you live near a community college or regular university you can enroll in a class or two. There are many options for seniors and sometimes it is absolutely free to take a class. You can learn a new language, study architecture, or take a health an fitness class. The possibilities are endless and the benefits are tremendous!

Good health builds the body and mind. Take advantage of opportunities in your area to help you accomplish this. Need help finding the right activities or opportunities to keep your mind and body healthy? Contact me today at Senior Living Options where I can help you find the right fit for your aging lifestyle!