So, what are the three main crucial focuses we should be engaged in even before symptoms arise? 1. EXERCISE 2. NUTRITION 3. SOCIALIZATION.
Exercise throughout our lives is very important for healthy aging. When people hear the word “exercise” they sometimes back off and do not want to get involved. They believe they must do strenuous exercise that entails getting on the floor and doing sit-ups that they will not be able to accomplish. So, they give up before they begin. There are easy moving physical activities that require little to no floor work. Any type of movement throughout our lives can be beneficial for future healthy brains and hearts. Learn how to make exercise fun and keep you motivated.
- Walking the dog is a good way to get out even for a few minutes. Besides, you have a partner to walk with and motivation to keep “Fred” healthy too.
- Running or jogging is not gentle on your joints and if you have never done this in previous times not a good idea now. Perhaps an indoor stationary bike at low speed would work for you if outdoors isn’t your idea of fun.
- Do the exercise with someone. A friend may be needing the same type of encouragement and when you team up with someone you won’t want to disappoint each other by not showing up for the activity.
- Chair routines are excellent for safety. Sitting on a sturdy chair with feet planted solidly on the floor and raising each leg off the floor and back down one at a time for 5 rotations can help move the blood through your bloodstream. Do this twice a day and you may feel a difference in energy. Try this with your arms lifting one at a time into the air and back down. Talk to your doctor before starting any new routine to be sure it is ok especially if you have had recent surgeries or procedures.
- Track your progress to keep yourself motivated. No fancy watches needed; just write it down on a piece of paper with the date, what you performed and how many repetitions. You will be surprised at what you can accomplish.
NUTRITION is important but what is more important is the right kind of nutrition. We can all eat the number calories we need to sustain life but where those calories come from is far more an issue. For example, consuming most of the calories from fat will not provide the energy we need to live but will clog arteries in the meantime which results in cardiovascular disease. Starting a wellness diet prior to the age when people can be at greater risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s will place us in a less vulnerable position. Eating a plant-based diet throughout our lives and leaving the french fries in the freezer will garner a healthier mind and body. The Mediterranean diet has been touted as being very good for dementia patients as it provides not only the nutrients but the vitamins and minerals to protect the brain from the insults that come from inflammatory foods.
SOCIALIZATION plays another crucial role in the life of a person with dementia. Being alone lends itself to loneliness and depression. Separation from family either intentionally or by necessity (placed in Assisted Living) carries a huge burden on the heart of the dementia person who has not perhaps had a choice in the matter. Imagine a small child taken from the only home they knew whether for a few months or after many years how devastating this would be. Now imagine your parent, grandparent, or even yourself in the throes of dementia and now you are cast into a home away from family perhaps not even living in the same town anymore. Just because a person is in a facility with others doesn’t make it any less lonely for them. Integration is necessary but not everyone clicks with others just because they are in the same age bracket. Watch for signs of depression and even suicidal ideation in the person with Dementia.
#Mediterranean# Diet plant based# vitamins