It’s been claimed they can all help keep your brain healthy and slow down the ageing process. 

Unfortunately, the experts differ on which is the most effective, but most seem to agree that a balance of mind and body activities are likely to keep your brain healthy.  And a healthy, alert brain enables you to get the most out of life and can make all the difference to how much you enjoy your retirement.   

A healthy brain can mean a healthier you. Here’s a snapshot of what you can do:

1. Keep active

Regular moderate exercise, whether it’s walking, swimming, bicycling, yoga, golf or whatever takes your fancy, is important to give your brain an oxygen boost. The benefits of exercise result in increased blood flow to your brain. Experts generally recommend 30 minutes a day, but it can be in three 10-minute blocks. If you need motivation, consider adopting a dog who needs a regular walk. Or borrow the neighbour’s dog. They’d be delighted!

2. Exercise your mind

Your brain is similar to muscle and there are lots of things to keep it in shape. Crosswords, puzzles and Sudoku suit some people, but you can exercise your mind in many other ways such as learning something new like a new language, painting, singing or a new computer program. Any mentally stimulating activity helps such as playing cards or chess, reading, answering quiz shows and taking part in new pursuits. A tip is not to watch too much TV, as that is a passive activity and doesn’t stimulate your brain.

3. Eat well

While the popularity of kale and beetroot may come and go, nutritionists agree that most Australians don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables. The Australian dietary guidelines recommend that adults eat at least five kinds of vegetable and two kinds of fruit every day. Studies have shown that those people who eat a Mediterranean style of diet with the emphasis on fruit, vegetables, fish, nuts, olive oil and plant sources of protein are less likely to develop cognitive impairment and dementia. Make sure your diet is balanced, avoid processed foods, salt and sugar and drink enough water. 

4. Develop your social network

Mixing with other people can be one of the best ways to enhance your chances of keeping your brain healthy and to avoid depression and stress. Social activities that are mental and physical can be a great way of bringing together the best of all worlds – meeting new friends and strengthening existing friendships, sharing a new or on-going interest and challenging yourselves. 

If you’re not sure where to start, check out organisations such as:

• Australian Men’s Shed Association

• University of the Third Age (U3A) which has about 300 groups around the country with about 100,000 members 

• Govolunteer.com.au

• Local council for book clubs, choirs, theatre groups, gardening clubs and numerous other opportunities

5. Common sense

There are a few obvious things you can easily do which are basically common sense, but they all help slow down the ageing process:
• Get enough sleep

• Don’t smoke

• Don’t drink too much alcohol

• Boost your memory by paying attention and creating memory triggers

• Look after your mental health

Your financial health

While we can’t help guide you with your brain health, TelstraSuper Financial Planning can help you with your financial health. If you need help planning out your long-term retirement savings, you can book in to see a TelstraSuper Financial Planning Adviser. To book an appointment call 1300 033 166 or fill in the online form to request a call back. 

Sources:
BetterHealth Channel: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Mayo Clinic Health System