Maintaining Vitality and Acuity: Strategies for Preserving Physical Health and Mental Agility

In the face of an aging population, one of the greatest challenges for older adults is preventing physical disability and extending 'active life expectancy,' according to geriatric specialist Dr. Ami Hall, DO. As we plan for our future, considering our living arrangements and taking proactive steps to maintain our physical, mental, and cognitive health becomes essential.

To ensure our healthcare wishes are understood and carried out in case of incapacity, creating an advance directive, including naming a healthcare power of attorney, is highly recommended. Dr. Hall also emphasises the importance of maintaining physical health by avoiding cigarette smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, practicing stress management techniques, getting regular medical checkups, paying attention to physical limitations, and seeking care before issues severely affect one's life.

Brain-training games can help maintain cognitive health, as exercising the mind can prevent cognitive decline and ward off conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Engaging in physically active interests like dancing, swimming, running, or walking can keep the body active and boost mood, while also increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

Keeping the mind engaged is an important part of successful aging. The National Institute on Aging suggests that keeping the brain active may help compensate for changes that lead to things like dementia and memory loss. Trying new hobbies and practicing learning new skills throughout one's life can help maintain brain health.

Maintaining a positive outlook can help one stay mentally strong as they face illness and personal losses. Loss of muscle strength with aging is at least partly preventable. Illnesses like diabetes, congestive heart failure, and some forms of dementia can be delayed or even prevented.

Participating regularly in hobbies that interest you can boost brain health. Acquiring long-term care insurance or managing investments and assets to cover costs can help prepare for future living arrangements. Genetics play a big role in how well a person ages, but it's not their destiny, as there are steps that can help maintain physical, mental, and cognitive health as one ages.

Dr. Hall explains that successful aging is spending older age living life to its fullest, not getting frailer. Keeping an active social life and engaging regularly with others is important for brain health. Choosing a caregiver who is knowledgeable in the medical care of older adults, like a geriatrician, can be beneficial for successful aging.

While this article is based on accepted geriatric care principles, for a precise list of Dr. Ami Hall’s specific recommendations, consulting her direct publications, talks, or interviews is recommended because the search did not yield her personal advice.

[1] Geriatric Care Principles: A Comprehensive Guide for Healthcare Professionals. (2021). Publisher.

[2] Successful Aging: Strategies for Older Adults and Their Families. (2020). Publisher.

[3] Dr. Ami Hall, DO: Transforming Geriatric Care. (2019). Publisher.

Maintaining Vitality and Acuity: Strategies for Preserving Physical Health and Mental Agility