Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 22 Jul 2024
As Joe Biden Quits The Presidential Race -5 Ways To Stay Healthy And Sharp In Your 80s
Apart from cognitive issues, doctors speculate Biden may be suffering from some memory lapses or difficulties processing information quickly
At 81, Joe Biden is the oldest US president of all time, and on Sunday, he decided to quit the race for re-election. According to news reports, there was mounting pressure to stop the campaign over concerns about his age and health-related issues.
Last week, Biden reiterated that he was healthy and fit enough to serve a second four-year term and asserted that he was the best person to defeat his opponent, Donald Trump. His repeated assurances came amid scrutiny over his age and mental fitness following his debate performance and a series of gaffes recently.
Tested positive for COVID-19
Last week, Biden tested positive for COVID-19 – for the third time since the pandemic. The Democrat IS recuperating with his wife in his beach house in Delaware this week, according to news reports.
There have been growing rumours about his well-being as he has been fumbling through speaking engagements with stuttering and confusion – which doctors say is normal in old age. Following his TV debate last month with Trump, many criticized him for mumbling, looking confused, and regularly forgetting what he was supposed to be saying. Even though his doctors have ruled out any signs of neurological disorder, he has also shut down concerns after a Parkinson's specialist was spotted regularly visiting the White House.
Physical, mental health challenges faced by the elderly
However, doctors say Biden is facing the challenges of ageing that are common for individuals in their 80s. Apart from cognitive issues, doctors speculate he might be suffering from some occasional memory lapses or difficulties processing information quickly. Experts believe age-related health issues include:
- Reduced energy levels
- Reduced mobility
- Arthritis
- Cardiovascular problems
- Forgetfulness
- Cognitive decline including struggling with words, losing his train of thought, and appearing confused
- Difficulty with memory retrieval, processing information, and maintaining coherence in speech
- Forgetfulness
- Alzheimer's and dementia
Ways to keep your mind sharp as you age
Even though a few mental and physical health issues and decline are natural as you get older, there are a few ways to stay sharp and maintain strong cognitive function now, and a few of these include:
Move more
It is important to exercise, not just at a young age but even as you become older. And so, even low-intensity workouts like walking, jogging, and light weights for at least an hour a day in the morning can do wonders for both your physical as well as cognitive health.
Studies say there is a strong association between sedentary behaviours like sitting while watching TV and the risk of developing dementia.
Protect your senses
According to experts, there is a strong link between sensory loss, like vision, hearing, and smell, and dementia. Experts say dual impairment in hearing and vision is associated with a higher risk of cognitive issues. So, be sure to be regular in your checkups, wear sunglasses when you are out in the sunshine, and take regular breaks from headphones.
Indulge in memory-enhancing games
As you get older, you have a lot of time to indulge in activities that not only make you busy but also sharpen your brain. You can play memory-enhancing games like sudoku, learning a new language, or playing musical instruments for mental stimulation.
Eat oily fish
Oily fish is particularly high in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA and docosahexaenoic acid or DHA, which are often praised for their heart health benefits. According to studies in older adults, lower levels of DHA in the blood are associated with a smaller brain size, which is a sign of accelerated brain ageing.
Oily fish includes sardines, mackerel, and herring.
Quality sleep
As you get older, your brain needs more rest which comes from quality sleep for at least seven to eight hours. A lack of sleep cuts your ability to learn new things and take on new information by 40 per cent, according to research.