Ways to age “Sharp”.

HEALTH BRAIN,

HEALTHY AGING

OLDER VIRGINIANS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

As we celebrate “Older Virginians’ Mental Health Awareness Month”

Collaborative care is invaluable in enabling older adults to continue to contribute in a manner consistent with the values of self-determination, recovery and empowerment and aging in their communities.

HOW DO WE HAVE A HEALTHY BRAIN?

Several things contribute to brain health: Proper rest Diet and nutrition Keeping chronic medical

conditions well controlled Stress Reduction Stimulation – keep

challenging your brain

Getting enough rest helps the brain recover and rejuvenate.

Most older adults have sleep interruptions, but they should be brief, then you return to sleep.

PROPER REST

Have a bedtime routine.

If you tend to worry, keep a notepad and pen by the bed, then write down what is bothering you

7-8 hours is a good nights sleep for most

Keep your Pre-bed time low stress and relaxing.

Get plenty of exercise in the day time.

Limit naps. Power nap or short naps not too late in the day

DEVELOP GOOD SLEEP HABITS

DIET AND NUTRITION

See your doctor for annual check ups.

Limit caff eine later in the day.

Limit use of alcohol.Eat Healthy Brain foods

Iron rich Blueberries Omega 3 fatty acids Think 5 fruits and Veggies

a day!

DiabetesKeep your blood sugars controlled

HypertensionKeep your blood pressure controlled

Heart DiseaseControl CholesterolCirculation, and blood flow to the brain is important!

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

Avoid being a “Ball of Stress” by:

Taking good care of you. Talking to someone

trusted friend, counselor etc.

AND…..

REDUCE STRESS

Getting daily exercise helps you rest better, reduces stress and improves your circulation! Three BIGGIES for the BRAIN!

EXERCISE!

Challenge Your Brain by keeping it active.

Volunteer, be involved,

Try new things.Memory and

brain training activities.

Use your imagination.

KEEP YOUR BRAIN WORKING!

Neurobics are exercises that develop and enhance the five senses.

Try to button your shirt with your eyes closed….

Use your “other” hand to write, or eat….

Play “pictionary” or “charades”

Ways to exercise your brain for free!

NEUROBICS

HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU SEE?

Use your memory Use your imagination

USE YOUR BRAIN IN DIFFERENT WAYS

SocializeVolunteerStay Active in

your communityFollow current

events

MORE NEW THINGS

Thanks and ENJOY

KEEP YOUR BRAIN HEALTHY AND

HAPPY!