Living well - Quality of life - Maintaining a healthy lifestyle

Focus on keeping your brain active on a daily basis. These activities do not have to be really challenging or take up a lot of your time. By choosing activities that you like to do, are simple and can fit into your daily routine, will help you to stay interested. Try to vary your daily routine by trying something new, or switching up the way you do a familiar task. For example, you can try brushing your hair with the opposite hand. Thinking, social, and physical activities all challenge your brain. Some activities you might want to try include:

• Workout your mind by playing different games. You might try chess, card games, number puzzles, jigsaws, memory games and crosswords.
• Learn a new hobby, play a musical instrument, take a course of your liking or learn a new language
• Try attending local plays, museums or concerts. You might discover a new interest
• Mix up how you approach a daily task or routine. For example, you could try eating with the opposite hand.
• Start a physical activity or sport you enjoy
• Go for a walk or swim
• Start dancing lessons
• Do stretching and toning exercises at home

Source: The above information was compiled with permission from Alzheimer Society of Cambridge. (2009). Heads up for Healthier Living. Cambridge, Canada: Alzheimer Society of Cambridge.

Staying physically active can help your body, your mood, and your brain. Physical activity can make your muscles strong and prevent health complications associated with inactivity. Physical activity may also help to improve mood and thinking abilities. It is always a good idea to talk to your doctor before you start an exercise program. The doctor may refer you to a physiotherapist to help you choose physical activities that are right for you. Guidelines you can consider when getting started include:

• Consider your current health and fitness level when starting an exercise program. Start slow and progress gradually.
• Make physical activity part of your daily routine. This can be as easy as going for a leisurely walk around the neighbourhood or doing toning exercises at home.
• Select recreational activities such as gardening or dancing or sports you find fun
• Set attainable goals
• Always wear clothing and footwear that is comfortable and functional
• When possible, take the stairs
• Park the car at the far end of a parking lot and walk a further distance to buildings
• In cooler climates, look into mall walking programs and arenas that allow the use of the facilities for walking
• If concerned about balance when walking, consider purchasing walking sticks or poles. These are commonly used among all ages.

Source: The above information was compiled with permission from Alzheimer Society of Cambridge. (2009). Heads up for Healthier Living. Cambridge, Canada: Alzheimer Society of Cambridge.

Maintaining social connections can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Connect with family, friends and other people in the community, such as neighbours, to stay engaged and to maintain a positive outlook. The more socially active you are, the healthier your brain will be. Here are some ideas for staying connected with others.

• Attend social events with family members and friends
• Stay active at work or become a volunteer
• Join a local senior's centre, club or a class you are interested in. You can also look for hobby groups in your area.
• Accept invitations for social outings
• Consider joining a support group to have an outlet to discuss how you are feeling and ways to help manage the disease
• Start conversations with community members and do not be afraid to ask for help
• Consider participating in on-line support groups (refer to the Emotional well-being section of this website for a list of online support groups) 
• Begin a lunch or dinner club with your friends or others experiencing memory loss in your community.
• Participate in day programs
• Do not be afraid to discuss with others how they can support you in maintaining your social connections and engagement in the community

Source: The information above was compiled with permission from Alzheimer Society of Cambridge. (2009). Heads up for Healthier Living. Cambridge, Canada: Alzheimer Society of Cambridge.

There are many simple choices you can make that will help you to improve your health. These choices can help you to minimize risk factors connected with dementia, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

• Keep track of your blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and weight
• Do not smoke and avoid consuming excessive amounts of alcohol
• Make appointments to visit your doctor on a regular basis for check-ups. That way you can discuss any health concerns you may have.
• Make regular trips to your dentist
• Make sure to get lots of sleep
• Have your hearing and vision tested frequently, to avoid stress and confusion
• Eat a healthy diet with lots of fish, fruits and vegetables
• Be physically active most days of the week

Source: The above information was compiled with permission from Alzheimer Society of Cambridge. (2009). Heads up for Healthier Living. Cambridge, Canada: Alzheimer Society of Cambridge.