Mental health is just as important as physical health. Just as one loses physical strength as they age, the same happens to mental health. Mental health should, therefore, get as much consideration as physical health especially as you turn 50.
Most people feel that their bodies and minds slow down with age. To deal with this and to ensure that your mind stays healthy after 50, one should find ways to enhance mental fitness.
Here are 5 ways to enhance mental health and life after 50:
Be mentally active
Challenge your brain. Just like the body, your brain will be stronger when exposed to exercise. Your brain will not lose it’s agility if it is in constant use.
After you turn 50, activities such as playing puzzle and chess are important to enhance your brain function.
If you are yet to retire or are involved in volunteer work, you could take up projects that allow you to keep learning. Regularly getting new information will keep your brain healthy and fit.
I know of a couple in their late 70’s, who everyday play cards. They vary the games they play and who they play with. They do not miss a trick and are great fun to play against. I hope I am as bring and alert when I reach their age too.
Meditation
Meditation is often used in the treatment of certain mental health problems. Meditation can help improve your concentration, reduce stress as well as help you become less anxious.
You can join a meditation class or even get videos off the internet to help in your meditation. The practice of mindfulness will help you in solving problems and dealing with stressful work and family situations.
Omega 3
Supplements such as Omega3 can also be used to enhance brain function. Omega3 is important for the body. However, it is not produced by human bodies. Omega3 supplements are crucial for the growth of the brain. In older people, it can help prevent the occurrence of mental illnesses.
Omega 3 is found naturally in salmon, tuna fish as well as in certain nuts. Taking omega 3 supplements along with prescribed drugs has been associated with improved health outcomes for Alzheimer’s patients.
Patients who suffer from depression have shown notable improvements when taking Omega 3 supplements alongside their regular medication.
Maintain a positive attitude and relationships
Having better relationships with your children and relatives is important for your mental health. Strained relationships or no relationships at all, is unhealthy for the brain. Good relationships with relatives and friends enhance mental health. It is important to feel wanted and care about someone.
People surrounded by loving families tend to live longer and have fewer heart health problems. Spend time with your children and grandchildren to build healthy relationships. Over 50s, living requires you to avoid the stress associated with family strife to have a healthier brain. Constantly talking to people in your life means you are constantly exercising your brain.
St John’s Wort
St John’s Wort extracts are used to make supplements that are said to help people suffering from depression get better. Some people develop mental health problems such as depression after hitting fifty years old. This is mostly due to loneliness after retirement.
Taking St John’s Wort can really help alleviate mild to severe depression if taken as recommended. However, do not stop taking your prescribed medication for depression.
Confidence
More often than not, you are told that as you age, your brain will fail. You will forget things and not be able to solve problems like you used to. However, do not let that get you down.
As you grow older, it is important to believe in yourself and be positive about your mental health.
In order to improve your brain function, it is also important that you prioritise the overall wellness and health of your brain.
