Over time, your once-agile mind may experience subtle changes that are frustrating and become increasingly noticeable – forgetfulness, slower learning and trouble solving problems. If these subtle changes become more severe, your quality of life and ability to function independently could be affected.

For many, ageing well means living an active and engaged lifesyle in order to stay independent. In addition to staying physically strong, an important part of healthy ageing is maintaining your cognitive health.

Cognitive health encompasses a full complement of mental skills – planning and decision-making, memory, information processing speed and attention.

With ageing, cognitive decline may occur, resulting in poorer memory, slower learning and trouble in solving problems.

• 7 out of 10 adults expressed concern about memory loss with ageing.1
• In Singapore, mental health concerns among ageing adults revolved around memory degeneration, sluggish thinking or reduction of cognitive abilities.2

1. Council for Third Age Survey 2009: Understanding Singapore's Baby Boomers.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC Healthy Brain Initiative: Progress 2006-2011.

1-7. 2011. Atlanta, GA, CDC. Ref Type: Report.

Good nutrition is a key component of healthy ageing. With increasing age however, you may find yourself eating less or a less nutritious diet than before. This could pose a challenge in ensuring that you get enough nutrients to meet your body’s needs. Hence, it becomes more important to consume a balanced and varied diet and select nutrient-rich foods. Some studies suggest that nutrients such as B-vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acids may benefit cognitive health.