Everybody forgets things from time to time. After all, when we are preoccupied, it might be difficult to keep up with everything around us and recall every single detail.

This memory loss is an example of how deeply embedded it is in our nature to make mistakes. So it’s perfectly fine if we periodically forget to switch out the lights when we leave our bedroom. 

However, as we grow older, these memory blips may begin to occur more often. With increasing frequency, these slip-ups become a worry and should be treated more seriously.

However, it is important to note that memory loss does not always accompany aging. As a result, with the correct precautions, you can keep this bad health issue from hurting your elderly loved ones.

Programs are available at Seasons Retirement to assist people in improving their memory health. You can read more about various memory games used by this community to keep its people intellectually active and sharp. 

In this article, we’ll look at how to prevent memory loss in old age by employing memory games, diet, and exercise, among other things.

Measures to Prevent Memory Loss in Older Persons

As inferred earlier, forgetfulness can be frustrating, especially when they happen so often – as in older persons. So, it begs the question, ‘‘what can seniors do to improve memory?” Keep reading to find out.

1.   Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet plays a vital role in keeping the brain active and sharp. So, older adults need to eat nutritious meals such as fruits, vegetables, and low-fat foods. Also, omega-3 rich foods should be included in their diet. 

Indeed, omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the overall well-being of people of all ages. However, they are particularly necessary for improved brain function in older people. Cold-water fish, fish oil supplements, nuts, and olive oil – just to mention a few – are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. 

Now, it is not enough to ask your elderly ones to consume these meals; you should also make sure they avoid making unhealthy diet choices. 

Consuming too much sugar, for example, has been linked to a variety of health issues, including impaired cognitive function. Similarly, excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates, such as cookies, white bread, and cakes, has been associated with cognitive decline. 

2.   Get Adequate Sleep

For everyone, regardless of age, the brain won’t function optimally without adequate rest. But more specifically, sleep and rest are vital memory boosters for seniors.

Moreover, it is essential to the process of memory consolidation – a series of processes that involves the transformation of a new, temporary memory into a more stable and permanent one. 

Lack of good, uninterrupted sleep can have a negative impact on your loved one’s memory. In fact, research shows that sleep-deprived adults are more susceptible to memory loss. So, it is clear that a good sleep routine will provide memory help for seniors.

In short, getting between seven and nine hours of uninterrupted sleep every night is required for older persons’ general well-being, particularly their memory health.

 

To  ensure that these hours of sleep are effective and restful, you should encourage your loved ones to practice good sleeping habits. 

3.   Become Physically Active

One of the benefits of regular exercise is to increase blood flow throughout the whole body, including the brain. 

As a result of the elevated blood flow to the brain, a physical workout directly contributes to preventing memory loss. 

In fact, recent scientific research has shown that physical exercise and the resulting increased blood flow to the brain improves the process of neurogenesis by creating an environment conducive to the growth of new brain cells. 

Also, exercise can indirectly keep memory loss at bay, which is done by preventing other causes of memory impairment. For instance, engaging in physical activities can prevent hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and stroke. As has been noted, these medical conditions can lead to memory loss. 

4.   Engage in Brain Tasks

Just as there are workout routines to keep the physical body fit, there are mental exercises to ensure that the brain remains in good shape.

First and foremost, your older ones can engage in mentally stimulating activities like crossword puzzles, sudoku, bridge, etc.

In addition, they could learn how to play a musical instrument or even volunteer at local organizations. All of these are helpful activities on how to prevent memory loss in old age. 

5.   Build Social Connections

Socializing helps to enhance the cognitive and memory functions of the brain. By interacting with people, the feeling of loneliness is eliminated, thereby elevating a person’s mood. That is, depression and stress, two major causes of memory impairment, will be avoided. 

6.   Practice Meditation

The practise of meditation can be hugely beneficial to the health of older adults. From stress reduction to blood pressure regulation, its soothing effect can improve an adult’s health in various ways. Also, meditation can enhance their memory health. 

Furthermore, meditation has been proven to cause the proliferation of the brain’s gray matter. To clarify, gray matter is the part of the brain containing the neuron cell bodies, which controls cognition and memory. 

So, by enhancing growth in this part of the brain, meditation helps to prevent memory impairment. 

7.   Get Organized

Whether young or old, an individual is less likely to forget things if their space is well arranged. Help your loved ones’ ability to remember by ensuring that their items are in order.

You can also assist them by documenting future tasks, appointments, and events. You may want to discourage your older ones from multitasking. This is because keeping their mind on just one task at a time will help them retain information more easily. 

Endnote

There is no denying that memory loss is a common health issue amongst older adults. And it poses a significant challenge to having an enjoyable retirement. However, memory impairment and its effects can be prevented with the proper knowledge. 

Getting enough rest, eating healthful foods, and exercising regularly are a few lifestyle choices on how to prevent memory loss in old age. 

So, if you can persuade your older relatives to adopt these healthy habits, their post-retirement life will be more memorable.