Cognitive decline is a common concern when it comes to aging. Many adults worry about this as their parents grow older and notice signs in themselves as the years pass.
Worrying is only natural because of the many cognitive disorders associated with old age. But if you’ve been making excuses and avoiding learning new things because you think it will be too difficult, then you need to change this mindset.
While cognitive decline with age can’t be denied, it actually starts earlier than you think. And it’s not always a natural progression that comes with age.
This means that your cognitive health and ability to learn new things are largely within your control.
If you’re interested in getting your brain out of a rut and expanding your list of hobbies, read on.
Can Older Adults Learn New Things?
The answer is an absolute yes.
Older adults can learn new things. In fact, a person’s ability to learn is affected by many factors, not just age.
Yes, cognitive decline is a reality that results from many environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors. But even then, the brain retains its ability to learn. Learning is often within a person’s control, as proven by studies that show a clear correlation between sustained engagement and cognitive function in older adults.
The aging brain can also compensate for cognitive decline by engaging different parts that may lead to better function than in your teens.
How Does the Brain Change With Age?
We now know that aging does not directly (or negatively) affect cognitive function. But why is there a long list of mental disorders associated with old age?
This is because many factors associated with aging significantly affect the brain. Here are some examples:
- Decrease in blood flow to the brain
- Increase in inflammation in the body (as a result of injury or disease)
- Ineffective communication among neurons in some areas of the brain
- Shrinkage of parts of the brain associated with learning and complex mental processes
- Fewer chemical messengers generated with age
- Reduction in cortical density (outer-ridged surface of the brain)
- Breakdown of nerves
Avoidance of Memory Retrieving Abilities
Studies also suggest a decline in the use of memory strategies being affected by older adults’ deliberate avoidance of retrieval. Sometimes older adults may be disinclined to retrieve memory even if they possess the ability to do so.
A big reason behind this type of avoidance is a general lack of memory confidence, often stemming from their success or failure in navigating everyday experiences such as cooking, using technology, or way-finding.
This type of avoidance can be harmful psychologically and can lead to physical consequences:
Loss of Cognitive Exercise
Older adults who avoid using their memory retrieval capacity do not get enough cognitive exercise. And regular avoidance of these activities can further increase the rate of decline.
Loss of Confidence in Memory Retrieval Ability
Secondly, not using memory retrieval skills further decreases confidence in one’s abilities. It only feeds the damaging cycle, with no end in sight.
Withdrawal From Social Situations and Loss of Interest in Daily Life
And lastly, this type of avoidance also discourages older adults from taking part in activities that require some form of memory retrieval. This is why some older adults avoid socializing, learning new things, or tackling everyday activities.
Many factors affect cognitive skills in old age, from changes in brain function to adapting unhealthy cognitive avoidance strategies. Thankfully, most of these are within our control.
Below are some tips and tricks to help you or your loved one improve cognitive health regardless of your baseline capacities.
Tips to Mitigate the Effects of Cognitive Decline
You may not be interested in learning a brand new skill, but wouldn’t you like to be able to perform everyday activities even in old age?
These tips can help your cognitive health and ensure you can pay bills, answer phone calls, remember important personal details, and take your medicine on time no matter how old you are.
- Perform regular physical activity (minimum 150 minutes per week)
- Get enough sleep daily (7 to 9 hours)
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Quit smoking
- Maintain a nutritious and healthy diet that is low in fat and added sugar
- Take part in group activities regularly
- Volunteer at local community endeavors
- Keep the mind active with meaningful activities
- Keep learning new things
- Take a class at a community center, local college, or online
- Stay connected with loved ones
- Challenge your mind with games and new activities
- Learn how to manage stress
- Go in for all recommended health screenings
- Take medications on time
- Manage chronic physical conditions diligently
- Get help for mental illnesses like depression and anxiety
- Have more sex
- Stay safe and avoid risky situations
- Take careful steps to prevent falls
- Wear a seatbelt when in a car
- Protect your brain from injury
- Ask for support from family members and caregivers
However, even if you can control some of the environmental and lifestyle factors associated with cognitive decline, it doesn’t mean you will never experience memory issues or other symptoms of decline in the future. There are other factors that might be out of your control, such as your genetics and your environment.
Even so, doing your bit by taking care of your mind and body will make a significant difference in how you feel as you age.
These simple strategies can also reduce the risk of serious cognitive disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
In Conclusion
Aging does not have to result in a decline in a person’s ability to learn and explore new concepts and hobbies. We hope our guide answered some pressing doubts about cognitive ability in older adults. Hopefully, your worries are eased, and you can go ahead and sign up for that guitar class or baking lesson and have fun learning a new skill.
