Ageing and the Brain: What Really Happens
All of us expect certain changes as we get older.
Like wrinkles, painful joints and grey hair. See how all these are changes you can see?
But one thing we don’t see as clearly is how our brains age.
It’s not like we can look in the mirror and say “wow this is not like what it used to be 10 years ago!
With age, blood circulation decreases, neurotransmitters (messengers that keep brain activity smooth) become less effective, and hormone levels shift)
What does this mean? Memory becomes less sharp, and even routine tasks start feeling more complex.
And for many, these changes can set the stage for neurological problems like strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease, especially after 65.
If that sounds concerning, you’re not alone.
Don’t worry, it’s not completely a downward spiral. By knowing how your brain ages and using simple activities to keep it healthy, you can easily handle the effects of ageing.
Let’s get into it.
The Growing Concern of Cognitive Decline
In simple terms, as your brain ages, it starts to slow down. We call it “cognitive decline”
It isn’t just about forgetting where you left your phone or mixing up names.
It’s deeper.
It’s a progressive, slow change in how the brain processes, stores, and recalls information.
We’re talking about moments where handling routine tasks feels like climbing a mountain, and where daily conversations turn into a tough battle.
Here are some examples:
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Memory Slips: Not the cute kind where you forget a friend's birthday, but the kind where you can’t recall what happened yesterday or struggle to keep a grip on important details.
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Daily Confusions: Imagine setting out for the market and suddenly forgetting why you’re there or how you planned to get home.
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Mood Changes: Since it’s hard to keep up with what’s going on around you, you might get more irritable and depressed.
Watching loved ones or even experiencing those first signs of cognitive decline yourself can be unsettling.
It often brings questions and worries about independence and what the future holds.
The idea of struggling with day-to-day tasks or losing precious memories is enough to stress anyone out.
But here’s the twist. The brain has its own backup plan.
Redundancy:
Think of the brain like a big building filled with lights.
Even if some bulbs flicker out, the stadium stays lit. That’s redundancy.
The brain has extra nerve cells in reserve, which means when some neurons fail the rest pick up the slack.
This is also why many people don’t immediately notice early signs, which is a blessing and a curse in disguise since conditions like Alzheimer’s are detected only when it’s too late in many cases.
Cell Generation (Neurogenesis):
Ever noticed how learning a new language or picking up a new hobby makes you feel sharper?
That’s neurogenesis in action, creating fresh neurons and giving your brain an upgrade. This magic mainly happens in the hippocampus which is the brain’s memory vault.
The same way, when your brain doesn’t just sit around accepting loss. It’s capable of creating new nerve cells as the old ones die out.
Neuroplasticity:
If redundancy is the “safety net” and neurogenesis is the “refresh” button, then neuroplasticity is the “adapt” tool.
This is the brain’s ability to reorganise itself, to rewire and create new connections.
If a part of the brain gets damaged or worn out, neuroplasticity steps up and says, “Alright, let’s find another route.”
Why It Matters
Harnessing neuroplasticity offers significant benefits:
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Improved Cognitive Function: Regularly engaging in activities that challenge the brain helps sharpen memory and decision-making skills.
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Recovery from Brain Injuries: The brain can reroute pathways to compensate for damage.
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Delay of Age-Related Cognitive Decline: Consistent mental and physical stimulation can slow down age-related decline and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative conditions.
This is why stroke survivors often relearn to speak or move; as the brain reroutes functions to healthy areas.
It’s easier to form new paths, than create entire new nerve cells. And the best part about this function of your brain is…
It’s under YOUR control.
The more you stimulate your brain, the stronger those connections become, and the better it functions as you age.
Let’s see how you could start TODAY.
How to Improve Neuroplasticity
1. Exercise (It’s Your Brain’s Best Friend)
You might think exercise is only for your muscles and heart, but it’s one of the best things you can do for your brain.
Regular physical activity boosts blood flow and stimulates cell growth, improving cognitive function and reducing the risk of issues like Alzheimer’s.
In fact, a 2018 review found that exercise enhances learning, memory, and fine motor skills by increasing brain connectivity and cell growth.
Action Step: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like walking or swimming, five times a week.
Bonus points if you join a group class or find a walking community. Social interaction also benefits brain health!
2. Create Art
Making art isn’t just for fun; it’s a workout for your brain.
Things like painting, drawing, or even randomly doodling, creating art stimulates new neural pathways and strengthens existing ones.
According to a 2023 review, art-making can enhance creativity and cognitive function, allowing the brain to process information in different ways.
Action Step: Set aside time each week to create something. There’s no experience needed.
Try following YouTube tutorials and make friends with people who also create art.
3. Embrace Unfocusing
Daydreaming is actually good.
Turns out, letting your mind wander without any purpose can be good for your brain.
Activities like doodling, drumming a beat on the table, or simply staring out the window activate the brain’s “default mode network”, which promotes creativity and problem-solving.
Also, here's a trick.
You can relax INSTANTLY by simply controlling the way you breathe. It's called the physiological sigh,
This occasional mental rest helps build new connections and interrupts negative thought patterns.
Action Step: Next time you’re waiting or have a few minutes to spare, pick up a pen and start doodling or let your mind drift. It’s not wasted time; it’s brain-boosting time.
4. Non-Dominant Hand Exercises
Brushing your teeth or opening the door with your non-dominant hand might feel awkward at first, but that’s the point.
These “neurobic” exercises require focused effort, which forms new pathways and strengthens existing connections.
It’s like sending your brain to the gym for a quick workout.
Action Step: Try performing one daily task with your non-dominant hand, like opening doors or using a fork. These small challenges add up over time, keeping your brain adaptable and healthy.
Take Control of Your Brain Health
The reality is, ageing doesn’t have to mean inevitable decline.
The brain has an incredible ability to adapt, and there are small AND powerful steps you can take to harness this power.
Through exercise, creative activities, mental breaks, and simple challenges like using your non-dominant hand, you can stimulate neuroplasticity and keep your mind sharp.
Keep in mind that ageing is just not about “you vs time”.
It’s about embracing it….On your terms!
And that’s why we’d want you to join our community at The Oak Age.
Think about it.. A group full of people like you, who are on a mission to make all their years count.
Oh and there are also some sweet benefits, like…
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Exclusive access to our biological age tool
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Challenges, and exclusive travel rewards to winners
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Easy, actionable healthy ageing tips
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Influence your circle and earn referral rewards
When you join us, you’re getting more than bare advice.
You’re stepping into an ecosystem designed to help you live better,
with practical benefits that actually make a difference.
