Engage your brain
Staying active protects brain health
JUNE IS ALZHEIMER’S and Brain Health Awareness Month—a perfect time to reflect on how our daily activities can support long-term cognitive health.
Our brains are constantly evolving. From early childhood through older adulthood, we develop and refine neural connections—like highways for brain messages. A lifelong process, known as neuroplasticity, means the brain continues to grow and adapt with experience.
Enriching activities, such as traveling, learning, socializing and exercising, strengthen these connections. Over time, these experiences build what scientists call cognitive reserve, a protective scaffolding of neural networks that supports brain health as we age.
Older adults may experience natural decline in social outings, physical activity and new experiences. But staying engaged is essential. Health experts, including the American Neurology and Heart associations, strongly recommend continued physical, cognitive and social activity in older age.
Four key types of engagement can help protect your brain:
Social engagement
Interacting with others challenges your brain to process different perspectives and emotions. Conversation and connection boost endorphins, reducing stress and increasing happiness.
Physical activity
Exercise increases oxygen flow and strengthens blood vessels in the brain. Aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate activity—like walking, dancing, gardening or cleaning—to promote better brain and overall health.
Cognitive stimulation
Trying new activities, like puzzles, crafts or learning a new skill, activates different areas of the brain. Repetition can dull stimulation, so rotate tasks to keep your brain engaged.
Proper nutrition
What you eat fuels brain function. The MIND diet, which focuses on brain-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains, has been linked to reduced dementia risk. Limiting salt and sugar intake can also support long-term brain health.
Staying active in mind, body and social life supports your brain’s resilience. This Brain Health Awareness Month, keep learning, moving and connecting—and enjoy the benefits of a healthier brain as you age.
ELIZABETH RHODUS, PH.D., is an occupational therapist and assistant professor in UK’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging.
