Brain Health: Mature Brain Health (Ages 65+)
Maintaining brain health in later life
Maintaining brain health over age 65 involves maintaining your physical health and continuing to engage in enjoyable social and mental activities. According to the National Institute on Aging, any level of involvement in activities will continue to provide positive benefits to brain health.
Metabolism is the rate in which the body uses available energy and nutrients and how quickly it can remove unwanted waste. In general, as people age, metabolism decreases. This can lead to cholesterol buildup, which increases blood pressure and the risk of stroke. It can also cause changes in organ function, which could lead to diseases such as diabetes. All of these also increase the risk of developing dementia.
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PMC—Metabolic changes in aging humans: current evidence and therapeutic strategies
As humans progress through the lifespan, the biology of their bodies change as they age. The amount of food, exercise, and even the level of medication needed changes as people age. Medications that were prescribed in middle age may need to change in amount or could be eliminated, as determined by your doctor.
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The human body is made up of more than half water, and the need to maintain that hydration every day is an important part of brain health. Older adults, especially those with dementia or who are already dehydrated, are less likely to ask for water or hydrating beverages, even when they need to drink something to avoid further hydration.
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The effects of hearing loss on the risk for dementia is still being researched. Some studies indicate there is a slightly increased risk of developing dementia later on if midlife hearing loss is not recognized and appropriately treated. Use of hearing aids in response to midlife hearing loss can reduce that level of risk.
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Cognitive reserve
Cognitive reserve is the the brain's ability to adapt to challenges and be resilient against disease and damage. This includes being able to prevent or slow symptoms of degenerative brain changes associated with dementia or other brain diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or a stroke. A large cognitive reserve is built up throughout a person's life by engaging in physical, social, and cognitively stimulating activities. Remaining active in later life can continue to build and support cognitive reserve and overall brain health.
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Benefits of volunteering and chosen employment
Meaning and purpose in life is an important part of brain health for everyone. For some people that may involve more activity, or less activity. For example, some people may find purpose in participating in more social activities, while others prefer engaging in more individual tasks. Likewise, they may find more meaning in doing something physically active versus accomplishing something more spiritually grounding. These chosen activities vary from person to person. However, participating in meaningful and engaging activities on a regular basis is beneficial to brain health for everybody.
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Hobbies, clubs, and travel
Meaningful and engaging activities are unique to every person. Hobbies of all kinds, participation in clubs or civic organizations, meet new people, going new places, and learning new things all contribute to cognitive reserve and brain health. Whether it's becoming more skilled in your favorite thing or trying something you have never done before, engaging activities to benefit brain health can be anything you want to do.
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Younger generations
Spending time with people from different generations can also provide opportunities to learn new things and to teach what you know to others. No matter your age, talking with people who are in a different stage of growing and aging across the lifespan can contribute to brain health in unique and meaningful ways.
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