Making this one change to your social catch-ups can help support brain health

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Keeping our brains active at any age takes practice, but there are simple habits everyone can follow.

Since moving into a retirement village five years ago, 72-year-old Tricia Keane says she has never been busier. In addition to helping other residents paint in art classes, Keane is the treasurer of the events group, a member of the social committee and has obtained her Responsible Service of Alcohol certification so she can volunteer at the bar. She also takes weekly Pilates and Zumba classes.

“I just never imagined I’d be so busy,” she says. “Moving here has just opened up so many opportunities, helping me to keep active and involved and to care for the community.”

Keane says her role as treasurer is particularly beneficial to her health and wellbeing. “It’s a full-on thing – there are lots of receipts and payments. But I’m happy to keep doing it because it keeps my mind active.”

Rajna Ogrin, senior researcher at Bolton Clarke, says that keeping our minds active and maintaining brain health matter at every age, including later in life. “Brain health is connected to the health of the whole person, including the ability to think and learn, controlling movements and balance, responding to emotions and tactile and sensory function.

“Hearing or vision loss, poor sleep, depression, social isolation, vascular disease, diabetes, medication and reduced physical activity can all affect cognition and a person’s ability to remain engaged,” she says. “It’s important to take a holistic view that considers physical, psychological, cognitive and social wellbeing.”

Adopting a number of these daily habits can support brain health as we age.

Build movement into each day Physical activity supports cardiovascular health, mobility, and independence, and physical inactivity is an established, modifiable risk factor for dementia. “Walking, gardening, dancing, swimming, cycling, housework or an exercise class can all count,” says Ogrin.

Include strength and balance activities Resistance exercises, sit-to-stand movements, tai chi or an individually prescribed program can help maintain strength…

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