Activities That Exercise The Mind
Posted: 08.08.2015
The Alzheimer’s Association recommends mental stimulation as a method of reducing the likelihood for Alzheimer’s. Whether you’re searching for activities that will help your seniors reduce the likelihood for memory loss, or to help delay memory loss—consider the 6-activities below.
Learn Something New
It’s important to keep the activities in your senior facility varied so they have the opportunity to learn brain-stimulating things. If the seniors you work with still live at home, encourage them to participate at their local senior centers where there’s always something to learn.
Play Games
Games are an excellent way to exercise the brain. The key is to mix things up. Aim to rotate at least 3-games for each senior you work with. A few games to consider include:
- puzzles
- cards
- board games
- Simon Says
- memory
- crossword puzzles
- word searches
- Sudoku
Creative activities stimulate the right side of the brain. These activities could include arts and crafts, but can also be less hand-on activities for seniors who do not consider themselves naturally creative. Consider activities such as:
- reading
- writing
- playing musical instruments
- listening to music
- watching a movie
- watching a live performance
Many of the games mentioned above require recall skill, but there are plenty of games designed specifically for creating new pathways, or maintaining current pathways, in the brain. As the Baby Boomers age, more and more seniors will turn to their mobile electronics for such memory exercises—and there is no shortage of memory games and apps to choose from.
Socialize
Whether due to mobility issues, the inability to drive, or the loss of loved ones—many seniors have less opportunity for socialization. This is one of the many reasons to encourage seniors to participate in group activities. Also encourage socialization by writing letters, sending cards, calling family and friends, and planning outings with friends. If your senior facility has a computer room, you can even teach residents how to use social media and Skype with loves ones who live out of state.
Gardening
Gardening is not only an excellent brain exercise, but can provide your seniors with fresh produce or beautiful flowers and indoor plants. Even if outdoor space is limited, potters and raised flower beds can lend the opportunity to garden. Thanks to window box and planter gardens, there are several ways to garden indoors.
Not only will the activities above help exercise senior’s minds, but they encourage an improved quality of life.
Published by: SeniorCare.Jobs Editorial Team
Author: Joanne Silatei
Date: 8/8/2015