Fending Off Your Own Decline
Odds are good that while caring for your elderly parent you’ve had a thought along the lines of, “What can I do to delay, minimize, or maybe even avoid my own decline?” Here’s a collection of articles that provide some guidance on what steps you can take:
Parade Magazine says that a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training is ideal.
The UK’s EXPRESS recommends “dual-task exercise”, the simplest example being walking and talking, hopefully with a loved one.
Also out of the UK, The Independent reports that the hormone “irisin”, which is released during exercise, reduces the plaques and tangles in the brain believed to cause Alzheimer’s.
This piece from The National Institute on Aging highlights three areas: blood pressure management, increased physical activity, and cognitive training. It includes a seven minute video about preventing cognitive decline and dementia.
The New York Times reports that vigorous exercise, walking, and even household chores can benefit your brain.
CNBC says that’s what good for the heart is good for the brain, offering six types of exercise that may help you hang on to your memories.
Harvard Medical School agrees that even light exercise may help prevent dementia.
But something else you need to keep in mind: This report from The Washington Post says that sitting ten hours a day increases your risk of dementia even if you exercise regularly. Some of their suggestions to “sit less and move more” include walking around while on a phone call, scheduling walking meetings, and picking up lunch instead of getting it delivered.