Easy Brain-Stimulating Activities for Seniors in Annapolis, MD and Surrounding Areas

It's important for everyone, especially for seniors, to keep their minds in good shape. Adults over the age of 65 are at a higher risk of cognitive impairment. Not only does the risk of having a stroke, dementia or memory loss rise with age, but seniors are also more likely to isolate themselves and not take part in social activities because of age-related problems, which can negatively impact brain health.

At Visiting Angels Annapolis, when we provide senior care, we focus on the whole person. We care about more than just physical health. We also care about mental and emotional health. So, when we care for elderly and disabled adults in Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Millersville, Pasadena, Crownsville, Arnold, and other towns in Maryland, our caregivers find ways to keep them busy with activities that are not only fun, but also stimulate their brains and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

If you're worried about an elderly friend or family member's mental health, here are some fun and easy things they can do to stay sharp.

Find Mentally Challenging Activities

Harvard Med says that the best activities for stimulating the brain are ones that are complicated and take a lot of practice. This is because these activities require seniors to try something new (or a new way to do something they already know), require a mix of thought processes like problem-solving and creative thinking and require seniors to do the same task over and over again, which helps them remember it.

When spending time with a senior loved one, you might want to play a board game or card game that will help keep their mind sharp. You could also suggest that they do something creative, like paint, learn a new instrument, or just listen to music. If the person you care about is more active, a new exercise routine can help them feel and think better.

Even if your loved one is alone all day, there are many things they can do to keep their minds sharp. Crossword puzzles and Sudoku can help them stretch their minds, and reading can teach them something new.

Stay Healthy

Staying physically healthy can also help keep seniors' minds from getting worse and slow down memory loss. Encourage the person you care about to keep a routine that keeps them moving. For example, every morning they could go for a walk in a nearby park or follow a workout video. Even light exercise can get their heart rate up and send more blood to the brain.

A healthy diet can also help your loved one keep their mind sharp. Some foods, like strawberries and peppers, can help slow down cognitive decline. It also gives your loved one a chance to learn new recipes and try new foods.

Learning Something New

Your loved one's mental health can improve in many ways if they learn new things. Since your brain keeps growing as you get older, picking up new information or learning a new skill can make up for the loss of brain power that comes with getting older. The American Society for Aging says that if you are committed to learning new things, it can even help you avoid getting dementia.

There are so many ways for seniors to learn new things. For example, your loved one’s local senior center may have classes where people can learn new skills or information they didn't know before (it will also give your loved one a chance to socialize with other seniors in their community). Local libraries not only have books on a wide range of subjects, but some also have classes and seminars that your loved one will enjoy. Even if your loved one can't leave the house, there are apps and online classes that can help them learn a new language, a new skill, new information about something they're already interested in and a lot more.

Socializing

Not only can staying socially active help a senior's emotional health, but it can also help them keep their minds sharp. One study found that the risk of cognitive decline dropped by about 70 percent for seniors who were socially active. But it can be hard for your loved one to be social if they have age-related mobility problems that make it hard for them to go out and spend time with friends and family, can't drive themselves to social gatherings because they can't see well enough or forget about important events.

You and your family should check up on your loved one as often as you can. For instance, you could call a loved one after work and ask how their day went. Your loved one can also spend quality time with people they care about when they come to visit. Social media is also a great way to talk to someone you care about who lives far away.

How Can Home Care from Visiting Angels Annapolis Help My Senior Loved One Stay Sharp?

Visiting Angels Annapolis can help you find a professional caregiver to help your loved one stimulate their brain. Your loved one can be encouraged by our team to take part in activities that are not only fun but also good for their minds.

Some of the ways we can help your loved one include:

Driving them to and from classes so they can learn something new
Preparing healthy meals
Accompanying them on daily strolls
Providing meaningful companionship and conversation to fulfill their need for social interaction
Helping them learn how to use social media and other digital tools to stay in touch with friends and family through our Social Care program

With in-home care from Visiting Angels Annapolis, you can relax knowing that someone is taking care of your loved one and making sure they do things that keep their minds sharp.

Call Visiting Angels Annapolis at 410-505-5141 to schedule a free in-home consultation today!