We recently read an article by famed Neurosurgeon Sanjay Gupta, commentator and author. Dr. Gupta says, “There are things we can do that involve lifestyle changes that could absolutely delay the progression of dementia and even reverse it!”
We could not agree more! We have covered this topic in prior articles, but it is always good to talk about it again! Dr. Gupta is in line with many of the concepts we have been discussing for many years. These lifestyle habits help people live the longest lives with the least number of age-related diseases. Isn’t this what we all strive to do!? Live long healthy lives?
We’ll say it again, and this time, Dr. Gupta is saying it too, “Move Naturally, Move More!” Again, we cannot stress this enough. Once the body stops moving, all systems shut down, especially the brain! Dr. Gupta writes, “When you move, it’s almost like you’re signaling to the body and to the brain, ‘I wanna be here. I’m not ready to go!’ What the brain specifically releases are things called neurotrophins; these good chemicals are sort of nourishing the brain.” Once you cannot walk 3 city blocks, your chances of entering a nursing home increase many-fold. Inability to walk, transfer, and assist oneself are criteria that end up leading to a loss of independence. We live in a beautiful part of the country here in SW FL. Even on the chilliest of days and the hottest of days, we can still get outside and walk! If walking is painful, try pool walking to experience the amazing power of the pool!
Next, eat a plant-slanted diet. Fresh vegetables and fruits help many areas of the body, including the brain. Berries in particular provide brain nourishment, along with essential fatty acids found in fish and nuts. A fresh-food diet gives you the most nutrition per mouthful!
As we have talked about in one of our recent articles, learning new skills will strengthen your brain. It will cause you to continue to strengthen the parts of your brain that may be weaker. Learn to knit, learn a new language, play a new card game, eat with your non-dominant hand, try a new physical activity like pickle ball or aqua aerobics! And of course, read a new book! By getting out of your comfort zone, you stimulate your brain to a whole new level!
Last week we spoke about the importance of sleep. Many people (up to 1/3 of Americans) do not get enough sleep. Our brains need to regenerate during sleep. This complex organ is like a machine. It requires a resetting of experiences and filing them into memory. If you are getting out of your comfort zone and learning new things, then get enough sleep so that you can commit them to memory!
One of our favorite books is the Blue Zone by Dan Buettner, who describes and espouses the lifestyles of the areas of the world where people live to be 100 and experience virtually zero diseases of aging. One of the tenants of these cultures is to be connected with your tribe. He calls it “wine at 5” – but this just means to have a great group of friends with whom you can experience social interaction, kindness, sharing and caring, and even physical touch. This is especially important during these trying times. Our brains function better when we release these happy hormones!
So, we encourage you to live longer, live smarter, live better by adapting your lifestyle to include these things! Cheers!