It is normal to experience changes to our cognitive abilities as we age. This includes the ability to recall memories, find the correct words, multitask, and more. Normal aging does not influence an individual’s ability to live independently, and it can simply mean that older adults require more time to complete a task than their younger counterparts. In this article, we share with you how seniors’ cognitive abilities can be affected by the aging brain.
It’s Not All Negative
When we think about age-related cognitive changes, we often think about the negative: Taking more time than usual to complete certain tasks and maybe even requiring assistance. However, preliminary research has revealed that there’s a positive side to aging. Older adults were found to have more extensive vocabularies as well as a more in-depth knowledge of the meaning of words than younger individuals.
Part of this is down to the accumulated wealth of experience that older adults have amassed over the years. How older adults use and apply this knowledge is still being studied, but it’s certainly a promising find!
Changes You Can Expect in the Aging Brain
While older adults benefit from a higher level of crystallized intelligence – which is knowledge that comes from years of experience – you can still expect some changes in your cognitive abilities as you age. Because certain parts of the brain shrink over time, in particular those that are responsible for learning and carrying out complex mental activities, you can take more time to come to the same conclusion than younger individuals.
In addition, communication between neurons in the brain may not work as effectively as before, and blood flow in the brain may be reduced. Inflammatory response to diseases and injuries can also increase. Keep in mind that needing extra time to accomplish the same tasks is a normal part of aging. The truth is that the brain is incredibly versatile and retains the ability to change and adapt as we age.
Are You Concerned with the Changes You Are Experiencing?
Slowing down is a normal part of aging, but if you are concerned about the changes you or your loved one are experiencing, it can help to speak to your doctor. They can assess your situation and determine if the changes in your thinking and memory are normal, or if they could point towards dementia.
Age Happily and Healthily in Our Senior Living Cottages at Country Club At Woodland Hills
One key factor to maintaining your cognitive abilities for longer is to keep your mind sharp. When aging in place, you may not have the opportunities you require to do so, and this can be exacerbated by social isolation. Moving into one of our senior living cottages at Country Club At Woodland Hills may just be one of the best decisions you ever make. In our friendly, safe, and welcoming community, all our residents can benefit from a packed calendar of activities and events to keep them active, engaged, and happy.
