Tribeca Eldercare: Kolkata’s Largest Eldercare Service Provider

Tribeca Eldercare: Kolkata’s Largest Eldercare Service Provider

• TribecaCare
• 28th Oct 2025

Our Guide to Staying Mentally Alert as You Grow Older

Tribeca Eldercare looks after its Senior Members with love, compassion and supervision of mental and physical health, social engagement and entertainment. That is what keeps our Elders alert, engaged and happy.

 

Our first concern when looking after elders is the preservation of mental sharpness. The journey of aging is often accompanied by ill health which is known and accepted. But it is equally important to maintain a mentally alert and vibrant mind in old age. This is not just a matter of luck—it’s a result of proactive, engaging lifestyle choices. Just as physical fitness requires exercise, the brain thrives on stimulation, nourishment, and connection. Staying mentally alert is about building and maintaining  “cognitive reserve,” which is the brain’s ability to cope with damage and adapt to change. This is a lifelong project, but it’s never too late to start reaping the benefits of brain-healthy habits.

 

The Brain-Body Connection: Move to Think

 

Physical exercise keeps the body healthy as well as the mind. The phrase “what’s good for the heart is good for the head” is scientifically sound. Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients. This improved circulation helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, all of which are risk factors for cognitive decline. Studies have shown that walking for elders, at any pace, can help memory and learning. A regular walk, even chair exercises or simple yoga will lead to measurable improvements in memory, focus, and overall mood. Tribeca Home Health Services offer simple Yoga sessions at home.

 

Lifelong Learning: The Mental Gym

 

The brain has an incredible capacity for “neuroplasticity”, the ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. To keep this crucial process active, it is important for elders to challenge the mind with new activities. Learning a new hobby. Planning for a day out or even travel, these are tasks which provide brain activity. Tribeca Senior Travel is not only about providing a delightful travel experience. It allows Seniors mental activity and keeps them engaged.

 

The familiar pastimes like Crossword Puzzles, Sudoku and Reading are hugely beneficial.  Adding a social engagement to such activities (a Book Club for example) which can be enjoyed with friends not only increases the enjoyment, but the social interaction is stimulating. Loneliness and isolation lead to depression. This is especially true for seniors who have limited financial means, live away from children, do not have friends to visit and are forced to become housebound because of failing health.

 

Eating Well – Nutrition Matters

 

The food you eat provides the building blocks and fuel your brain needs to function optimally. A brain-healthy diet is one that is rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. What kind of diet benefits an older person?

 

• Green leafy vegetables (all kinds of spinach)
• Easy to digest vegetables (green Papaya, bottle gourd)
• Fruits (bananas, papayas, guavas)
• Whole grains
• Pulses (dals)
• Fish
• Chicken
• Nuts (sources of healthy fats)

 

It is medically advised to avoid refined flour, sugar, fried food, red meat and too much salt intake. Hydration is also important. Drinking water helps the kidneys function, prevents the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections.  Even mild dehydration can impair concentration and memory and lead to disorientation.

 

Staying Calm, Staying Positive

 

Every human being will have points of stress in his or her life. Death and loss of a close partner will increase this stress. However, we are all wired to regenerate and move on. Most elders have gone through many cycles of loss and separation, disappointments and emotional upheaval. And, they have still reached their golden years through survival, mental strength and perseverance. To keep these attributes going, it is important to spend a few minutes each day in meditation and deep breathing. Calming yourself in disturbing situations is an important lesson – as anger is destructive to  health and peace of mind. At such times, meeting a friend and being able to talk helps reduce stress. Tribeca Eldercare offers Emotional Companionship through its Care Managers.

 

The Importance of Good Sleep

 

Finally, never underestimate the power of sleep. Quality sleep is when the brain repairs itself. Doctors advise that seven to nine hours of good-quality, restful sleep each night ensures your brain is refreshed and ready for the challenges of the day. Avoiding over-exertion in the evening and caffeine is recommended by doctors. Eat the last meal early and allow a couple of hours for digestion. Sleep in a well-ventilated room, away from noise. When Tribeca Senior Members suffer from insomnia or any other sleep disorder, we offer help through our doctors.  Tribeca Eldercare’s Geriatric Specialist will advise on whether a mild sleeping pill is needed or even sleep apnea correction with the help of a machine.

 

Stay healthy, happy and mentally alert in your old age. Call Tribeca Eldercare if you need any kind of help. Call +91 80622 55100. Look through our website for more information. www.tribecacare.com

 

This article has been written by

Anuradha Bhattacharjee

Communications Consultant with Tribeca Eldercare