4. Focus on nutrition: Proper nutrition is vital, particularly a diet strong in antioxidants. Fresh fruits and vegetables are vital to provide what other parts of the body or system may now be denying to the brain and its function. Other physical challenges are probably reducing the effectiveness of the immune system; therefore, the addition of all the more antioxidants can definitely benefit the brain and its function. Interestingly, most research endorses coffee and its caffeine ingredient as a benefit to better brain function. And caffeinated teas may be of similar benefit.
5. Get Mom or Dad to stop smoking: Of course, this will be a challenge. But there are no benefits, but only negative effects to the brain from smoking. Remove the ashtrays and lighters from your parent’s quarters. If you do smoke, don’t do it when tending to Mom or Dad. Light up somewhere else.
6. Start walking: Physical exercise and movement is vital to the functioning of the older adult brain and its best functioning. Daily walking, even several times around the block, is something that another family member, even a teenager, can accept as a voluntary assignment. If your parent has current challenges in walking, perhaps 30 minutes each day, then in-home exercises, as simple as standing on one leg for 12 to 20 seconds and shifting to the other leg, may be appropriate and effective. The exercise produces aerobic benefits to the brain as well as the lungs, heart and general physical condition.
7. Invite visitors: Loneliness is a real downer for older adults, particularly if they withdraw from social events or relationships. Invite visitors to visit with Mom or Dad, whether on a one-time or weekly basis. Advise them to not discuss the problems of aging but to call on your parent for observations of historic times and events, current events, particularly because of their knowledge of the past and, importantly, about what your parent wants to do or accomplish tomorrow, next month or even years in the future.
