NEWS
BYTES
September 2008
from the AGS
Simple
Lifestyle Changes Can Help Keep Your Mind Sharp, Reports AGS
Foundation for Health in Aging
Foundation
Releases Comprehensive "Cognitive Vitality" Tip Sheet
for Older Americans
As
we grow older, we grow wiser in many ways, but age-related changes
in the brain can make it harder to learn and remember certain
things. Fortunately, growing research suggests that making simple
lifestyle changes can help you stay mentally sharp, no matter
your age.
To
make this easier, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Foundation
for Health in Aging (FHA) has released a new, comprehensive,
and easy-to-understand tip sheet on "cognitive vitality"
for older adults. It can be found at www.healthinaging.org/public_education/cognitive_vitality.php.
The
tip sheet, "Sharp at Any Age: AGS Foundation for Health
in Aging Tips for Keeping Your Brain Young," explains what
older people need to do to keep their cognitive edge. Among
other things, older adults should see their health care professionals
regularly; get sufficient sleep (it's a myth that older people
need less sleep than younger adults); exercise; and eat a diet
that's low in saturated fat, and includes plenty of fruits and
vegetables and two servings of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids
weekly.
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ABOUT
THE FHA
In
1999, the American Geriatrics Society reached beyond its traditional
role as a professional medical society and launched the AGS
Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA). The FHA aims to build
a bridge between geriatrics health care professionals and the
public, and advocate on behalf of older adults and their special
needs: wellness and preventive care, self-responsibility and
independence, and connections to family and community. The FHA
champions initiatives in public education, clinical research,
and public policy that advance the principles and practice of
geriatrics medicine; educate policy makers and the public on
the health care needs and concerns of older adults; support
aging research that reduces disability and frailty, and improves
quality of life and health outcomes; encourage older adults
to be effective advocates for their own health care; and help
family members and caregivers take better care of their older
loved ones and themselves.
ABOUT
THE AGS
Founded
in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (www.americangeriatrics.org)
is a nationwide, not-for-profit association of geriatrics health
care professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence,
and quality of life of all older people. The Society supports
this mission through activities in clinical practice, professional
and public education, research, and public policy. With an active
membership of over 6,700 health care professionals, the Society
has become a pivotal force in shaping attitudes, policies, and
practices in geriatric medicine.
