By MD Mercury, gerontologist
Mental capital encompasses cognitive and emotional resources that effect learning capacity and resiliency in facing stress. Compared to younger adults, older adults have more difficulty with the number of relations that must be integrated as reasoning tasks increase.
Cognitive changes and age associated declines are generally gradual, and there are various aging strategies to maintain brain health. Participation in activities that are mentally, physically, socially, and spirituality stimulating may postpone the onset of dementia, which can increase the frequency of cognitive engagement. Findings from cognitive aging research studies suggest that one process does not account for all declines associated with cognitive aging. The purpose of developing a culture of brain health and fitness is that it will continue over a lifespan, providing a guiding ethic to mental capital that enhances wellness.
Lifestyle choices of efficient cognitive strategies can increase brain reserve and contribute to positive health choices. A top priority for older adults is maintaining mental capacities so they can function independently. Important lifestyle choices include education, exercise, relationships, and meditation as effective methods to enhance cognitive skills.
Mental stimulation (education, digital media)
The goal of interventions that are mentally stimulation is to delay the onset of decline and maximize the portion of the lifespan spent in a cognitively healthy state.Education has been an important indicator of cognitive reserve in the performance of older adults, and it has influenced high levels of capacity and cognitive protection under negative brain changes due to functional deficit. Declines in executive function include slowing of processing times and an increase with distraction while completing a task.
Using examples of social media technology, digital tools and various video gaming activities can stimulate cognitive engagement. Brain fitness is enhanced and dementia reduced when more of the brain is used for executive function and the control of cognitive function. An ever changing environment will require appreciating the limitations of our brains adaptive ability along with evolving digital media.
Exercise (aerobics)
Physically fit older adults who have maintained a high level of cardiovascular and pulmonary health demonstrate better cognitive fitness. A more resilient neural system leads to better long term brain health. Having a physically active lifestyle early on can be the best way to prevent problems later in life as cognitive executive function responds to support from exercise interventions. The “use it or lose it” expression can be applied in utilizing cognitive reserve, physical well being, and social engagement toward long term brain health as it delays cognitive decline.
An important conclusion from cognitive research is that it is never too late to start being active, as sedentary older adults show enhanced brain integrity from increased mental and physical activities. The aging of the U.S. population along with the public health issues associated with cognitive decline are projected to increase in the future along with an urgent need for research to identify cognitive decline of impairments in aging. The gold standard is a brain that is disease free, reinforcing a message that aging itself is not a disease. Providing educational resources that inform the public and enhance self efficiency can increase the need of cognitive strategies for
maintaining brain health.
Social Engagement (relationships)
Over the human lifespan relationships are of paramount importance, yet never more so than in middle and older adulthood. Socialization contributes to the way our brains process information, and responds to stress. Interaction contributes to brain reserve and the ability to function despite cognitive damage. Disengagement is a risk factor for cognitive improvements, increasing the risk of dementia.
Spirituality (meditation)
Brain imaging studies suggest tasks such as meditation and prayer require sustained attention and have shown to activate cognitive function. Meditation practice is associated with a more efficient executive function in coping with anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue and overall better stress regulation. Religious service attendance can also bring a sense of better life satisfaction. Hope and optimism seem to be higher among elders, and is one of the markers of social engagement. Prayer, meditation, and religious practices can have helpful effects on improving memory and cognitive health of older adults.
