Just years ago, it was thought that age-related cognitive decline was unavoidable. In your golden years, you may find that you tend to be more forgetful – for instance, taking longer to call to mind the word you are looking for. However, in recent years, it has been discovered that the effects of aging are dependent on certain factors such as lifestyle choices, diet, level of physical activity, and more. In this article, we share with you how meditation can protect the aging brain.
Understanding Neuroplasticity
Did you know that the adult brain changes with experience and knowledge over the years? This phenomenon is also known as neuroplasticity, however, it’s not something that happens automatically. The healthier an individual is, the higher the likelihood that they will retain a high level of cognitive performance as they age. There are many things you can do to preserve neuroplasticity, including taking part in meditation.
Meditation Leads to Greater Mental Efficiency
Mindfulness meditation has been linked to higher levels of empathy, self-awareness, memory, and mental efficiency. When someone meditates daily, a large-scale of networks throughout the brain is engaged, activating a wide range of mental and emotional processes.
In fact, a recent study has found that individuals who meditate regularly have higher concentrations of brain tissue in areas typically affected by aging. As such, meditation can help to protect against age-related cognitive decline, allowing you to keep in tiptop form for longer.
Meditation Can Increase Mental Flexibility
As you get older, you may discover a certain rigidity of opinion in yourself. Older individuals tend to be more averse to new opinions and ideas, which can close you off from others and the world around you. Meditation can increase mental flexibility as it focuses on creating awareness around your thoughts and feelings without judgment for what they might be.
Keep in mind that many studies around meditation and cognitive performance are only in their preliminary stages, however, the results sure look promising. If nothing else, mindfulness meditation is a meaningful way to pass the time and engage in self-care – connecting with your inner self can only be to your benefit as you age and can result in improved self-esteem and feelings of positivity.
Come to The Summit for Comfortable and Convenient Retirement
If you or a loved one are looking to transition to a retirement community, you have come to the right place at The Summit. From independent living and assisted living to memory care and respite care, we offer the full spectrum of care in our community. Small pets are welcome on our campus, and whether you feel like spending time in our lush landscaped gardens or watching a movie with friends in our media center, you can customize the retirement lifestyle of your dreams with us. We want to help you make the most well-informed decision for your needs, so feel free to schedule a tour at a convenient date for you today.
