As people live longer, staying mentally sharp becomes increasingly important. In recognition of May as ‘Older Americans Month,’ WINK News Health and Medical Reporter Amy Oshier spoke with Dr. Amber Reale, a neuropsychologist with Lee Health, about the importance of keeping the brain active.
“I always kind of explain it as your brain is similar to a muscle. Where if you don’t use it you lose it,” said Dr. Reale.
She emphasized the importance of finding the ‘Goldilocks zone’—activities that are not too hard but still stimulating enough to keep the brain engaged.
“You want something that’s right in the middle that’s engaging your brain, keeping it active, helping you learn something new. But not something that’s too challenging. So it’s right in that middle ground of keeping active. Computer games, jigsaw puzzles, word searches,” said Dr. Reale.
Oshier highlighted that maintaining brain health doesn’t have to feel like work. Activities like walking with a friend offer physical activity, mental stimulation, and social interaction.
“One that’s really good that kind of hits a bunch- all of the different topics, is going on a walk with a friend. You’re getting physical activity you’re getting mental stimulation because you’re having a conversation- you’re getting that social mental health piece,” said Dr. Reale.
Diet also plays a crucial role in aging successfully. Dr. Reale pointed out the benefits of a plant-based diet.
“The research is showing that even changing 5% of your diet to a plant-based diet can have beneficial effects. And there’s research that supports that it helps reduce the risk of dementia,” said Dr. Reale.
With life expectancy in the U.S. currently at 78.4 years and expected to rise, small lifestyle changes can make a significant impact on aging well. The number of Americans over the age of 90 is expected to increase by more than a million in the next 10 years.
