Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by making new neural connections. We often tend to focus on the importance of exercising your body but exercising your brain is just as important. As people age, neuroplasticity tends to exponentially decrease. There are multiple things older adults can do to improve their neuroplasticity and their brain health overall. A few are listed below:
- Brain Teasers: There are many different types of brain teasers a person can choose from such as sudoku, crossword puzzles, and a lot of mobile apps have been created with different styles of brain teasers. Brain teasers require a lot of thought which help keep the brain stimulated and healthy.
- Go back to school: Challenge your brain by taking a class at a nearby community college. These classes can be free or offered at a lower cost depending on your age. Online classes are available so you can learn new things without having to leave the comfort of your home.
- Socialize: Create and develop new relationships with those around you. This can help you feel included and will provide a positive feeling. Making these new connections allows your brain to be stimulated. Due to the pandemic this might be complicated, but you can always resort to meeting new people online or connecting with your family members by using technology.
- Sleep: As a person gets older it sometimes gets more difficult to get the required eight hours of sleep. One must make sure to get enough sleep every night since this can increase your overall brain health. Not getting enough sleep can have a negative impact on your brain health therefore decreasing your neuroplasticity.
- Spirituality: This can give you a sense of belonging and a sense of purpose. Becoming spiritual can allow you to have a more positive outlook, reduce stress, and can help you stay engaged with others with similar spiritual beliefs. This stimulates the brain and keeps it engaged.
- Stress Management: Stress negatively impacts your body and mind. Although you might know the negative impacts of stress, it can be difficult to let go of worries and responsibilities. Although this might be the case, it is important to make time to relax and reflect. This can be done by taking some time to exercise, meditate, spending time with your pet, or treating yourself to doing an activity you like. Taking steps to reduce your stress improves brain health and helps fight off depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.
Brain health is important and must be upkept in order to prevent the deterioration of neuroplasticity. The brain is a powerful tool and like any other part of your body you must exercise it to make it stronger. You should try to engage in at least one of the activities listed above to keep your brain healthy and increase your neuroplasticity. Improving your brain health also helps fight off mental concerns that older adults are susceptible to.
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By: Cindy Birrueta
Senior Care Advising Intern at WellPath Partners
Health Care Administration Student at California State University, Long Beach
