Holding onto a lifetime of memories is an important part of growing older. Memories are how we appreciate our pasts and utilise our decades of experience that have helped shape who we are as a person. Helping our elderly loved ones retain their memories is an important part of keeping them healthy, active and happy during this later stage in their lives.
Most seniors will prioritise keeping their minds strong and their memories clear, but there is always more that can be done. There is an abundance of research that shows the rates of memory loss in seniors can vary greatly, depending on a variety of factors. Genetics, lifestyle, physical activity, diet, habits, social lives and other factors play a significant role in improving memory retention.
There are many different factors that can lead to positive changes in our memory retention, as well as mental and physical health.
Let us take a look at 7 simple ways that senior citizens can make noticeable improvements in their memory retention:
- Go get regular health check-ups
At any age, there are a number of physical and mental conditions that can have a negative impact on our memory retention. Illnesses, like depression, thyroid problems, mineral or vitamin deficiencies, heart conditions and degenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, can diminish our recall ability. Getting regular health check-ups can help identify potentially harmful illnesses, medications or activities that could minimise the risk to our elderly loved one’s memory retention.
- Keeping mentally stimulated
Our loved ones are never too old to take up new hobbies, develop new skills and stimulate their minds. Introducing new activities, such as card games, artistic pursuits, cooking or creative writing, or encouraging them to continue reading, learning, and engaging with new ideas, will help keep their brains sharp and agile. Trying an instrument or consuming different types of media can inspire older citizens to increase their mental capacity and memory retention.
- Taking a break and calming minds
Giving your mind a break is beneficial for any person at any age. Mindfulness, meditation, rest and calming your mind are just some of the ways to bolster our mental recovery. These recovery periods can help reduce stress, regulate the nervous system, improve breathing and, indeed, strengthen memory retention. Promoting calmness and prioritising rest is critical for our loved ones as they get older; encourage them to take a break for their minds.
- Maintaining a regular exercise schedule
Exercise is one of the simplest and most important changes we can make to improve our mental and physical health as we age into our senior years. The benefits of exercise for the brain are well documented, but we have learned a lot recently about how advantageous exercise is for memory retention in elderly people. Beyond boosting cognitive functionality, exercise makes their bodies healthier, which reducing their risk of other diseases that cause mental harm.
- Improving diets and eating better
It is hard to describe the perfect diet for any individual. However, much like regular exercise, eating better will have a significant impact on mental and physical wellbeing. Our elderly loved ones have even more reason to improve their diets as it can help them maintain energy, improve memory retention and avoid common ailments. Broadly speaking, their diets should include a good balance of healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and daily water intake.
- Staying socially active
Senior citizens are often battling feelings of isolation, alienation and loneliness that can contribute to a variety of physical and mental ailments. This includes precipitating memory retention loss in our later years and reducing the desire to hold on to a lifetime of memories. Helping elderly loved ones keep strong bonds with their family, friends and local community can be transformational to their mental state – inspiring them to hold on to their precious memories.
- Prioritising good quality sleep
There are very few things better for our minds than sleep. Almost every brain function benefits from high-quality sleep and prioritising a regular sleep schedule is one of the best things senior citizens can do for their memory retention. They should focus on avoiding electronics, alcohol, caffeine and stimulating distractions in the evening; making their bedroom a sanctuary for rest and relaxation. Improving diets, regularly exercising, socialising and reducing stress also contribute to better sleep.
A Final Thought
The space that you occupy will have a large impact on your general wellbeing. This is especially true for retirees and senior citizens who, often, require particular services, amenities and options from their residential space. Most retirement communities offer physical, creative and social activities for their residents that help keep them active and their bodies and minds healthy.
Choosing the right residential option for senior citizens can have a variety of positive mental and physical benefits for them. Whatever their post-retirement lifestyle requirements, you can rest assured that your loved ones will have every need met at one of Manor Retirement’s beautiful and bustling retirement communities.
