Keeping Your Brain Active
Keeping your brain active is an important, enjoyable part of everyday life. It has a part to play in a positive, healthy lifestyle in the same way as physical exercise. Stimulating leisure activities such as social participation and communication are also thought to be important in maintaining a healthy brain.
What Programs are available?
Ex-service Organisation Day Clubs provide a place for older people to meet regularly (usually weekly) in their local community to participate in a varied program of stimulating activities. Day Clubs provide social and recreational activities for veterans, their spouses, war widows/widowers and any other members of the community.
Part of the Day Clubs activities include mind games that are designed to keep the mind healthy and active.
The Mind your Mind is a program developed by Alzheimer's Australia designed to help people reduce the risk of developing dementia.
The biggest risk factors for dementia are getting older and genetics - neither of which are controllable. There are a number of easy to implement lifestyle choices, however, which can help keep the brain active and healthy.
The 7 good habits to cultivate which may prevent or delay dementia are to:
- Mind your Body - Physical exercise encourages blood flow to the brain. People who exercise regularly are less likely to develop heart disease, stroke and diabetes. These conditions are associated with an increased risk of developing dementia.
- Mind your Diet - A good and balanced diet promotes brain health.
- Mind your Brain - Keeping the brain active is thought to build reserves of brain cells and enhance their connections, helping keep you mentally sharp.
- Mind your Health Checks - Having check-ups and following the medical advice of your doctor is important for general health and brain health.
- Mind your Social Life - Being socially involved and participating in leisure and other activities with people helps maintain a healthy brain.
- Mind your Head - Protect your head to reduce your risk of dementia (for example wear your seatbelt, wear protective head gear when cycling or playing other sports).
- Mind your Habits - Avoid 'bad habits'. These include: don't smoke; don't drink too much alcohol: if you drink, just have 1-2 drinks a day, with one or two alcohol free days a week; and for your general health, it is helpful to reduce stress and get a good sleep.
DVA Publications
Living with Dementia - A guide for veterans and their families For people with dementia, their families and carers, this book provides practical information and support to assist in understanding the condition. It will help in making well-informed decisions and maximise quality of life.
To order a copy of 'Living with Dementia' click here to go to the Publications page of this site.