Lee Tuchfarber is a commercial real estate professional and the CEO of Renew Senior Communities, a senior living management company with communities in Aurora, CO, and Glenwood Springs, CO. Dedicated to senior care, Lee Tuchfarber has an interest in dementia research and investigations into the prevention of neurodegeneration.
Among the lifestyle choices that can lead to better neural health in old age is engaging in cognitively stimulating activities. That is, activities that challenge thinking and information processing abilities. Since brain plasticity continues during the aging process, it’s a safe assumption that stimulating mental activities can help support cognitive function through old age.
Another important consideration is the duration of sleep. While it’s normal for people to wake up earlier and have trouble staying up late as they age, decreasing total sleep time can have negative effects on brain health. The amount of sleep required in adults doesn’t change as they age, according to research.
In addition, eating patterns can have a significant effect on brain health as well. Maintaining a balanced diet, such as the Mediterranean diet or the DASH diet can help contribute to healthier brain function in old age.
