Living Well Committee Seminar Series
Audette Rackley, MS
BRAIN HEALTH – SENIOR MOMENTS
By: Marie Milleage
Robert Toller, Robson Ranch resident, introduced Audette Rackley, MS, at the April 5, 2017, Brain Health Seminar. Over 100 attendees listened as Ms. Rackley, expert in brain health research at the Brain Health Center, UT Dallas, expressed “Rather than worry about senior moments, it is more prudent to take action.”
We joke about “senior moments” when we cannot remember a name or where something was placed. Many individuals experience memory and thinking changes as we age from decade to decade. Age is the most significant risk factor of a healthy brain, followed by family history and genetics, but other risk factors can be modified, i.e., heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, pulmonary disease, or obesity.
Due to the brain’s control over our psychological and physical functioning, i.e., physical activity, stress management, nutrition, cognitive training, sleep, and social relationships, a person may want to incorporate strategies into a daily routine for each of these categories to reduce the risk of mental decline.
Consider developing a schedule of aerobic activity, muscle strengthening, balance, flexibility, and resistance exercises. Add stress management by finding 10 mindful minutes daily to be kind, compassionate, grateful and joyous, and monitor your thoughts and feelings. Research the MIND Diet, a combination of specific foods in the DASH and Mediterranean diets that may lead to a healthier brain. U.S. News & Report described the MIND Diet as being favorable for a sharper brain. Or, challenge your brain with cognitive training or brain exercises that requires an activity that is “both novel and complex,” connect with new and different people, or adopt a creative hobby.
Not getting 7-8 hours of sleep nightly? Make a schedule and stick to it. Develop a relaxing bedtime ritual but avoid exercise, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
Ms. Rackley advised, “You can take things one day at a time, changing your life in one and ten minute chunks.” Do something new – start a mindfulness practice. Regarding our brain health, what we do MATTERS.
DATCU credit union provided seminar refreshments and many door prizes.
All content within presentations sponsored by the Living Well Committee is intended for general information only. It should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of a professional health care provider. Neither the Living Well at Robson Ranch Committee, Robson Ranch Denton HOA, nor Robson Communities is responsible or liable for the content and do not endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised in any presentation.
By: Marie Milleage
Robert Toller, Robson Ranch resident, introduced Audette Rackley, MS, at the April 5, 2017, Brain Health Seminar. Over 100 attendees listened as Ms. Rackley, expert in brain health research at the Brain Health Center, UT Dallas, expressed “Rather than worry about senior moments, it is more prudent to take action.”
We joke about “senior moments” when we cannot remember a name or where something was placed. Many individuals experience memory and thinking changes as we age from decade to decade. Age is the most significant risk factor of a healthy brain, followed by family history and genetics, but other risk factors can be modified, i.e., heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, pulmonary disease, or obesity.
Due to the brain’s control over our psychological and physical functioning, i.e., physical activity, stress management, nutrition, cognitive training, sleep, and social relationships, a person may want to incorporate strategies into a daily routine for each of these categories to reduce the risk of mental decline.
Consider developing a schedule of aerobic activity, muscle strengthening, balance, flexibility, and resistance exercises. Add stress management by finding 10 mindful minutes daily to be kind, compassionate, grateful and joyous, and monitor your thoughts and feelings. Research the MIND Diet, a combination of specific foods in the DASH and Mediterranean diets that may lead to a healthier brain. U.S. News & Report described the MIND Diet as being favorable for a sharper brain. Or, challenge your brain with cognitive training or brain exercises that requires an activity that is “both novel and complex,” connect with new and different people, or adopt a creative hobby.
Not getting 7-8 hours of sleep nightly? Make a schedule and stick to it. Develop a relaxing bedtime ritual but avoid exercise, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
Ms. Rackley advised, “You can take things one day at a time, changing your life in one and ten minute chunks.” Do something new – start a mindfulness practice. Regarding our brain health, what we do MATTERS.
DATCU credit union provided seminar refreshments and many door prizes.
All content within presentations sponsored by the Living Well Committee is intended for general information only. It should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of a professional health care provider. Neither the Living Well at Robson Ranch Committee, Robson Ranch Denton HOA, nor Robson Communities is responsible or liable for the content and do not endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised in any presentation.