Belmont Village memory specialist gives seniors a winning regimen for cognitive wellness
By Daniel Lalley
An enhanced perspective, increased wisdom, and elevated self-confidence often come to mind when we think about how growing older affects our emotional and intellectual well-being.
Unfortunately, aging can also be a double-edged sword, leading to cognitive decline, memory impairment, and isolation. However, in an age where we understand more than ever about how the brain works, there’s no reason to let the bad outweigh the good.
Joyce Mahoney is the regional vice president of memory care and programming at Belmont Village Senior Living. She’s spent most of her career understanding how the brain changes as we age and how seniors can get ahead of adverse effects.
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“I’ve been in the industry for over 25 years, working with seniors and focusing on those with cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia,” Mahoney said. “I’m using my experience with psychiatric rehabilitation, recreational therapy, and gerontology to help our residents at Belmont Village live their best lives despite a diagnosis of dementia.”
Cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are still mysterious in many ways. Organizations like the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association recognize that Alzheimer’s and dementia are caused by complex, multi-factorial combinations of age-related brain changes, genetic predispositions, lifestyle factors, and environmental influences.
While the genetic causes are harder to address, there are several proactive steps people can take to prevent cognitive decline, Mahoney said. “We go to the gym to keep our bodies in shape, but what about our brains?”
Belmont offers a comprehensive program to build cognitive reserves.
“This is really for anyone at any age, but it’s especially beneficial for seniors,” she said. “We want to make sure we’re building enough cognitive reserve in the brain early to compensate for decline as we age.”
Mohoney and her team have identified seven essential lifestyle elements to actively improve cognitive wellness and prevent decline.
“Number one is nutrition,” said Mahoney. “It’s essential that we’re eating whole foods and getting proper nutrition, not just for our bodies but for our brains as well. Next is physical exercise. Movement is non-negotiable. That’s really for any age, but it’s especially important that seniors stay active. Then, we look at mental workouts and how to strengthen the brain. Learning new things, staying connected with strong social networks, and having a purpose are also key in sustaining well-being as we age.”
By promoting these lifestyle essentials, Mohoney is committed to helping residents at Belmont Village not only live longer, but live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
“Many look at aging in terms of chronological years,” Mahoney said. “Many of us just say we want to live to be 90 or 100 years old. That’s fantastic, but how are we living at that age? Can we have joy or lead a functional life and still do the things we love? Building cognitive reserves helps us sustain that greater health and wellbeing, no matter what age we are.”
