4 Ways to Improve Brain Health in Seniors in Port St. Lucie

Good news: recent research has found that nearly 45% of dementia cases may be prevented or delayed. Simple habits like getting exercise, spending time outside, and staying mentally active can all help to boost brain health in seniors. In addition, getting help managing chronic conditions, especially high blood pressure and diabetes, is extremely helpful in either preventing dementia or slowing its progression.

Seniors of the Treasure Coast are especially lucky when it comes to activities that boost brain health. With one of the most unique continuing education opportunities in the country, miles of accessible trails and expert guidance from memory care experts, there’s so much to explore in the Port St. Lucie area for anyone looking to reduce their risk or manage symptoms of dementia.

Building Brain Health in Seniors in Port St. Lucie, Florida

Port St. Lucie and the Treasure Coast are full of opportunities for seniors to stay active at any age, like specialty senior-focused social activities, accessible ways to enjoy the outdoors and free technology classes for all skill levels.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to improve brain health in seniors, and how you can help:

1. Get Moving

Staying active is so important for brain health that cognitive decline is almost twice as prevalent among inactive adults as it is among active adults, according to one study. In Port St. Lucie, it’s easy to get moving with fun exercise classes for any skill level, like those at Jazzercise in Fort Pierce.

If walking is more your loved one’s speed, reap the added benefits of spending time in the sunshine at one of our local parks. Try Spruce Bluff Preserve’s paved Spruce Bluff South AIS Indian Mound Trail or head to Savannas Preserve State Park for over 17 miles of multi-use trails, some of which are paved as well. For a trail in a more residential area with scenic water views, check out Woodstork Trail Park.

2. Socialize Regularly

Socialization is important for more than just maintaining relationships; it’s a workout for your brain as well. However, it can be more difficult for seniors to spend time with friends due to lack of access to transportation or accessible options. 

Luckily for seniors of the Treasure Coast, Council on Aging of St. Lucie offers a wide variety of entertaining programs specially developed for seniors with varying needs. Whether it’s gaming with Bridge and Bingo events or getting in touch with their creative side through Ceramics and other art classes, your loved one is sure to find something new to try with friends. 

If they need help attending their favorite activities, a professional caregiver can help with transportation to and from events.

3. Learn Something New

Being a lifelong learner isn’t just a great way to stave off boredom; learning new skills and information can also increase neuroplasticity, which helps your brain recover from injuries and improves brain health in seniors. The Lewis Library offers technology classes on topics ranging from email management to Google Maps.

For a continuing education option that’s unique to our area, don’t miss the St. Lucie County Aquarium. It’s full of self-guided education stations or, if your loved one can’t make it in person, they can use their new computer skills to watch the aquarium’s distance learning modules from the comfort of their own home.

4. Eat a Balanced Diet

One of the most important ways to reduce the risk of dementia is changing unhealthy habits, especially those that worsen other chronic conditions, like heart disease. There isn’t enough research just yet to say whether one particular diet or food can affect dementia, but maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure overall are linked to lower dementia risks.

Looking to make healthy eating more fun? You can spend some time outdoors, get in a little exercise and try new, locally-grown produce every Saturday at the Downtown Fort Pierce Farmers Market. The market even provides a free shuttle to and from the parking garage next to City Hall every 15 minutes for any shoppers who need mobility assistance.

Get Expert Support

The Treasure Coast is full of opportunities for seniors looking to boost brain health and manage dementia symptoms—and expert support can help you make the most of them. At First Light Home Care of the Treasure Coast, we’re proud to offer premium care for those with Alzheimer’s and related dementias through our award-winning Compassionate Memory Care Program. 

Navigating the complexities of dementia care can be overwhelming, but you don’t need to do it alone. If you have questions about your care options or just want to learn more about memory care in Port St. Lucie, please contact us. We’d be honored to care for your loved one.