Many of us want to keep our brains sharp as we age—whether it’s for staying connected with loved ones, remembering important moments, or managing daily tasks.
Brain health matters, but according to a recent study shared by Parade, worrying about cognitive decline might actually make it worse.
The study, published in Aging & Mental Health, surveyed adults aged 65 to 90 about their thoughts on aging and mental abilities. Researchers found that having positive expectations about health and aging was linked to slower cognitive decline.
This means your mindset can play a big role in how your brain ages. As Parade explains, this doesn’t mean ignoring reality but understanding that mild memory changes with age are normal and not necessarily signs of dementia.
Dr. Gary Small, a geriatric psychiatrist, told Parade that by age 45, most people start noticing small memory lapses, like forgetting names or appointments.
These changes are normal and don’t interfere with daily life for most people. But when people stress about these “senior moments,” it can actually hurt their memory more.
Worrying uses mental energy that could otherwise be spent learning new things or engaging in brain-healthy activities.
Parade shared helpful advice for keeping your brain healthy, including regular exercise, quality sleep, and staying socially connected.
For example, walking just 15 minutes a day or playing word games can support brain function. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which encourages people to accept their feelings instead of fighting them, can also help reduce anxiety about aging.
As Parade pointed out, these small, simple habits can make a big difference. So instead of stressing about aging, focus on taking positive steps for your brain health—you’re already doing great!
Credit : Parade
https://parade.com/health/worrying-about-aging-cognitive-decline-study-2024?utm_source=pushly