Elder Brain: What Happens as We Age

As we age, our brains undergo drastic changes that can influence our cognitive abilities (also known as elder brain). This may impact things like memory, problem solving abilities, attention span, and more.

And while it’s impossible to prevent these changes from occurring, there are ways to help slow down the process. When it comes to brain health, genetics plays a vital role in how we age. However, lifestyle choices and environmental factors are extremely important as well. That means there are actual steps we can take to keep our brains in better shape as we get older.

Elder Brain: What Happens as We Age?

The elder brain happens a lot earlier than we think. By the time we reach our 30s and 40s, our brains actually start to shrink. Not only do we lose brain mass, but also cortical density (thinning of the brain’s surface) and white matter (fibers that carry nerve signals). But in addition to these physical changes, our brains also experience cognitive changes as well.

One of the biggest impacts of aging is memory. As we get older, we may have difficulty learning new things, recalling names or numbers, or multitasking. Declarative memory (remembering stored facts or events) also becomes harder as we get older.

How to Slow Down the Elder Brain

Unfortunately, aging is just a part of life. However, researchers have discovered that there are measures we can take to protect ourselves from cognitive decline later in life.

Engage in Regular Physical Exercise

Great for physical and mental health, exercise plays an important role in staying young. In our brain, it improves blood flow and enhances neuroplasticity, which is vital for our nervous system to rebuild itself.

When it comes to exercise, aim for a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training. Shoot for 45-minute workout sessions as often as you can throughout the week.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats are quite literally brain food! These are nutrients that can support your cognitive health at any age, but especially as you get older. It’s also important to limit your intake of processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats, as these can cause problems with inflammation.

Get Enough Sleep

When we sleep, our brains use this time to essentially heal itself. This means getting good, quality sleep can improve your cognitive abilities, like memory consolidation and emotional regulation. Ideally, you should be aiming to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.

Stay Mentally Stimulated

Your brain is something that should be kept active. That means you should always be learning new skills, engaging in complex tasks, and socializing with others. If your brain is sharp and attentive, it can help promote neuroplasticity and strengthen cognitive function.

Reduce Your Stress

The more stress you have, the more likely you’ll have impaired cognitive function as you age. If you want your brain to be in better shape, then you should learn how to manage stressful situations. Yoga, meditation, exercise, and deep breathing can all mitigate the impacts of stress on our brains.

For those who struggle with stress and anxiety, working with a licensed professional can also help with these stressful situations.

Get Medical Check-Ups

Your brain is affected by everything else in your body. Therefore, it’s crucial to get regular health check-ups and to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle. Taking care of your ailments, medical conditions, and health issues can help you to reduce the risk of cognitive impairment.

While aging is inevitable, there are proactive measures to take to help slow down the process of getting elder brain. Cognitive function goes hand in hand with good physical health and well-being, so it requires a multifaceted approach to help take care of it. But it’s never too late to start working towards a healthier and happier life. With these different steps, you can make sure you’re keeping your brain in the best shape possible!