Good news for residents of Finley – the town we know and love is a great place to spend your golden years, and living in places like this can make all the difference to the health of your brain. How, you ask?
Well, when we think about brain health, we often focus on personal habits like diet, exercise, and mental stimulation. But one of the most overlooked factors in maintaining cognitive function as we age is the environment we live in — particularly, our neighbourhood. The place you call home can have a profound impact on your mental well-being, shaping how active, engaged, and socially connected you are.
A brain-friendly neighbourhood includes the following:
- Ready access to green spaces, such as parks, gardens and tree-lined streets
- Safe, walkable streets with facilities such as good lighting, well-maintained footpaths and frequent pedestrian crossings
- Having services such as grocery stores, pharmacies, medical facilities and food outlets located within walking distance
- Clean, fresh air, away from air pollution and traffic congestion
- Good public transport
- Proximity to natural bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers or the ocean
All of these aspects are linked to better mental wellbeing, greater mental sharpness, reduced stress, more opportunities to be active and greater social connections.
A neighbourhood that encourages walking, offers access to green spaces, and has safe, clean streets can help keep both your body and brain in better shape. Physical activity, especially walking, has been shown to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. When you live in a community where it’s easy to stroll to the park, grab a coffee, or visit a nearby friend, you’re more likely to stay active without even thinking about it.
Social interaction is another crucial component of brain health. Living in a neighbourhood with a strong sense of community, where people know each other and interact regularly, can help combat loneliness and isolation, both of which are linked to cognitive decline and depression in older adults. Whether it’s chatting with neighbours, volunteering, or participating in local events, these interactions stimulate the brain and reinforce a sense of purpose and belonging.
As well, access to services and amenities like libraries, cultural centres and public transportation also supports a healthy brain. These resources provide opportunities for continued learning, creativity and independence – all of which are important for keeping the brain sharp.
And it’s vitally important that we care for our grey matter. As we get older, maintaining good brain health becomes just as important as caring for our physical bodies. A healthy brain supports memory, decision-making, emotional wellbeing, and the ability to stay socially connected – all essential parts of ageing with dignity and purpose.
But despite its importance, keeping the brain healthy can be challenging for many older Australians. As friends or partners pass away and mobility declines, it can become harder to stay connected. The less we engage with others or participate in meaningful activities, the more at risk we are for cognitive decline and mental health issues like depression. As well, many older adults may feel uncomfortable joining new groups of trying unfamiliar activities. There’s the mindset that many older Australians were raised with too, that talking about memory loss or mental decline is taboo, or simply “part of getting old.” This stigma can prevent people from seeking help or making lifestyle changes that could protect their brain health.
But wisely choosing the neighbourhood you live in can go a long way towards better physical and mental health. A green, well-designed, walkable and socially vibrant neighbourhood isn’t just a nice place to live – it’s a key ingredient in long-term brain health. And we are fortunate to have this type of neighbourhood right here in Finley, making it a fantastic place to spend your senior years.
Finley offers many of the ingredients that help keep our minds active and resilient. With its peaceful streets, accessible town centre, and welcoming parks like Finley Lake and Railway Park, it’s a place that naturally encourages movement and social interaction. Taking a walk along the lake, gardening in your yard, or simply heading into town for your daily errands helps maintain physical activity – a key factor in protecting cognitive function as we age.
Community is another cornerstone of healthy aging, and Finley is rich in social connection. Whether it’s chatting with a neighbour, getting involved with the local Lions Club, or joining activities at the Finley RS Club or Men’s Shed, opportunities to stay socially engaged are everywhere. These regular interactions can reduce feelings of loneliness and help keep the brain stimulated in meaningful ways.
Plus, Finley’s access to essential amenities — from its local library and shops to healthcare services and community events — supports continued independence and learning. Having everything within easy reach encourages older adults to stay involved in community life, which research shows is linked to better mental health and a slower rate of cognitive decline.
So, when the neighbourhood you choose can make all the difference to your brain health, we’re certainly glad we live in picturesque Finley! Finley’s small-town charm offers more than just a peaceful lifestyle – it can help locals thrive well into older age, and helps residents stay mentally active, socially involved and continue to lead rich, fulfilling lives well into their later years.
Check out Finley Regional Care, an aged care home which continually strives for excellence in caring for the community.
