Experts gave advice on preserving cognitive functions in old age

Cognitive impairments can manifest themselves by the age of 65 in every third person, and the cause is not only health, but also lifestyle. On December 12, experts from the Guardianship service system for the elderly told Izvestia about how to keep the brain active and avoid mental decline.

"We often attribute problems to age, but they are the result of our lifestyle. Just as muscles weaken without training, the brain "simplifies" without mental stress. It is very important to ensure that the tasks correspond to the current cognitive level of a person and ensure optimal workload," said Lyudmila Morozova, a psychiatrist, candidate of medical sciences, surgeon and oncologist at the Opeka service system for the elderly.

With age, many people decrease their intellectual and social activity, which leads to a decrease in memory, attention, information processing speed, and speech skills. A routine lifestyle, lack of mobility, and lack of new experiences are becoming key factors affecting brain function. The number of synaptic connections decreases, the transmission of nerve impulses slows down, and a person has to spend more time on familiar tasks.

According to experts, you can get your brain back in shape through regular exercise. Both everyday and creative activities help: discussing old photos to stimulate memory, calculating the cost of products in your mind to train attention, classes that develop fine motor skills and the ability to analyze your own actions.

"Older people who adopt healthy habits and exercise don't just retain cognitive functions — they gain new vitality, revive interest in the world around them, and feel more confident about their own health. For example, a 70—year-old man can improve his memory by simply starting to leave home and diversify his diet," said Alexey Mavrin, founder and managing partner of the Opeka service system for the elderly.

It is also recommended to pay attention to physical activity — even 30 minutes of walking a day can significantly improve the blood supply to the brain. It is important to maintain social contacts: communication requires concentration, information analysis, and the formulation of one's own thoughts, which serves as a natural training of cognitive skills.

Good nutrition and quality sleep are essential conditions for maintaining brain health. The diet should contain vitamins, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as a sufficient amount of liquid in the morning. In case of sleep disorders, experts advise following the regime and spending more time outdoors.

Experts stressed that if new alarming symptoms appear — forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating or daily activities — it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner. Only professional diagnostics allows you to determine which changes correspond to the age norm, and which require treatment.

On December 5, the South China Morning Post reported that swimming relieves stress on joints, develops muscle strength, increases mental well-being, and improves cardiovascular health and social life. Diving into water may seem intimidating, but it can also be one of the best solutions for physical and mental health.

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