A 72-year-old woman who moved into a retirement village five years ago says she has never been busier, in a feature examining how daily habits, including physical activity, social connection and mindfulness, may support brain health as people age.
In a Sunday Life feature, Tricia Keane says she helps other residents in art classes, volunteers at the bar and takes weekly Pilates and Zumba classes. 'I just never imagined I'd be so busy,' she says. 'Moving here has just opened up so many opportunities, helping me to keep active and involved and to care for the community.'
Keane, who holds the role of treasurer for the events group and volunteers at the bar, says her duties help keep her mind active. 'It's a full-on thing, there are lots of receipts and payments. But I'm happy to keep doing it because it keeps my mind active.'
The feature, published in partnership with Bolton Clarke, also includes advice from senior researcher Rajna Ogrin. She says it is important to take a holistic view that considers physical, psychological, cognitive and social wellbeing. Ogrin says hearing loss, poor sleep, depression, social isolation and diabetes are among factors that can affect cognition and engagement.
Ogrin recommends building movement into each day through activities such as walking, gardening or dancing, and maintaining strength and balance with resistance exercises or tai chi. She also emphasises the importance of regular social contact and finding ways to create belonging through community groups or volunteering. 'Anything that supports cardiovascular health often also supports brain health,' she says.
Hearing loss and untreated vision loss are among 14 identified modifiable dementia risk factors, Ogrin notes. She advises regular hearing and vision checks and the use of prescribed aids.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Australia's ageing population means maintaining independence in later years is a growing concern.
- Many dementia risk factors are modifiable through lifestyle changes, offering a practical path to prevention.
- Social isolation, a recognised risk factor, can be addressed through community engagement and structured activities.
Background
Dementia is a significant global health challenge, and research increasingly focuses on lifestyle interventions to reduce risk. The World Health Organization has identified multiple modifiable risk factors, including social isolation, hearing loss and physical inactivity. The feature in Sunday Life magazine, produced with Bolton Clarke, highlights how targeted daily habits can support brain health across all ages.
Key Perspectives
- Tricia Keane: the 72-year-old resident says moving into the retirement village has 'just opened up so many opportunities' and that her volunteer roles keep her mind active.
- Rajna Ogrin: senior researcher at Bolton Clarke, stresses that brain health is intertwined with overall health and that hearing loss, vision loss, social isolation and poor sleep are modifiable dementia risk factors. She advocates a holistic approach incorporating physical activity, social connection and mindfulness.
What to Watch
- Growing adoption of lifestyle-based dementia prevention programs in aged-care settings.
- Ongoing research into the impact of social participation on cognitive decline.
