14 • BrainMatters • Fall/Winter 2021
Want to learn more? Dr. Howard Chertkow shares 15 things we can do to reduce our risk of dementia at
baycrest.org/reduceyourdementiarisk
Finally, don't put off treating hearing loss. Many
older adults have difficulty isolating relevant
sounds from background noise in day-to-day
communications, such as listening to a friend's
voice in a noisy restaurant. This reduced ability puts
us at risk for social isolation, which is linked to an
increased chance of developing dementia. Addressing
hearing loss is an important factor in protecting our
brain health and quality of life as we age.
Older Adulthood
For many of us, our sixties mark the transition to retired
life and the golden years, bringing us more freedom
and time for leisure activities. While you should enjoy
your hard-earned relaxation, it is also critical during
this time to keep your brain active to protect your
brain health. Do things you enjoy and find mentally
stimulating — for example, reading, playing cards,
listening to lectures or visiting museums and galleries.
Social connection is another key factor for brain
health. During our working years, many of us have
a built-in, baseline social network in the form of
our colleagues. When we no longer have to work,
it can be easy to become less social. However, it is
important to maintain existing social connections or
foster new ones. According to Dr. Linda Mah, Senior
Clinician Scientist at the RRI, when we are lonely, we
experience increased stress, which may be damaging
to parts of the brain involved in forming memories.
Residents of The Terraces of Baycrest enjoy a game of cards
