By: Grace Huff
Every year on August 21, World Senior Citizens Day reminds us to celebrate the wisdom, resilience, and contributions of older adults. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on how we can support healthy aging, particularly in terms of brain health.
At the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health, helping people maintain their independence and quality of life is at the heart of what we do. One key piece of that puzzle is empowering older adults with tools and habits that can help keep their minds sharp.
Why Brain Health Matters
Aging naturally brings changes to the brain, from memory lapses to slower processing speed. While some changes are normal, lifestyle choices can have a big impact on how well we age cognitively. Research shows that healthy habits may even help prevent or delay the progression of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s.
That’s why World Senior Citizens Day is the perfect reminder: it’s never too late, or too early, to start caring for your brain.
Tips from the Experts
1. Fuel your brain with nutrition.
Emily Truscott, MS, RD, LD, nutritionist at the Fixel Institute, stresses the power of a colorful plate. “Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables daily, especially dark green, red, blue-purple, and orange vegetables,” she says. “They provide fiber to support gut health and vitamins and minerals to support overall energy.”
Equally important? Staying hydrated and eating consistently. “Water is fuel for our bodies to work properly throughout the day,” Truscott explains. “Aim for three meals a day and snacks when needed so your brain has a steady source of energy.”
2. Keep your mind active.
From puzzles and reading to learning a new skill, staying mentally engaged helps build cognitive resilience. But, as Erin Triffilio, PhD, clinical neuropsychologist at Fixel, points out, the activity itself matters less than the joy it brings. “The most important thing is finding things you enjoy,” she says. “Don’t make it feel like a chore, because then you’re much less likely to stick with it.”
Breton Asken, PhD, ATC, says “Your brain craves novelty, Cognitive and socially stimulating activities help maintain healthy brain connections. New, challenging, and enjoyable activities are better than the same thing, all day, every day.”
3. Stay socially connected.
Human connection is fuel for the brain, too. Triffilio encourages older adults to nurture friendships, maintain community ties, or even make a new friend. “Start a new hobby, make a new friend, or reconnect with your community,” she says. “These connections make a difference.”
4. Preserve & Prevent. Asken stresses the importance of heart-healthy activities (such as exercise or eating a balanced diet) are excellent ways to preserve brain health and prevent bad outcomes like stroke that worsen brain aging.
5. If in doubt – get checked out. Not feeling as sharp as you used to? Ask your doctor about the next steps. The earlier that cognitive changes are detected, the more options available to help manage or treat, and the more likely you will benefit.
At the Fixel Institute, experts work side by side, neurologists, nutritionists, therapists, and researchers, all focused on helping patients live better with age. From memory screenings and exercise programs to clinical studies in cognitive health, Fixel is advancing care and resources for older adults across Florida and beyond.
On this World Senior Citizens Day, take a moment to celebrate the older adults in your life by sharing these tips. Encourage a loved one to try a new hobby, add more color to their plate, or simply take a walk with a friend.
Healthy aging is a journey best taken together, and with the right habits, staying sharp is possible at any age.