VISITING ANGELS KNOXVILLE, TN 865-531-4833
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Daily hobbies to improve memory function

Daily hobbies to improve memory function

Hobbies are a way to embrace activity and find joy in simple tasks that add meaning or happiness to our daily lives. Though hobbies serve our interests, they can also serve brain health. Investing time into specific activities or hobbies at least a few times a week can aid in mental sharpness and overall memory performance. They’ll never feel like a chore if you can find something you genuinely enjoy. Read on to find a new skill or hobby that will aid in your happiness and health this summer.

Join a group

Joining a group or class that shares one of your interests can be highly fulfilling. Several community colleges offer free classes that may pique your interest, or community centers may hold regular meetings for local socialization. If you have a passion for gardening, join the local community garden, or perhaps join a fitness club if you are looking to make friends who share your fitness goals.

Socialization is something that many seniors lack in life. Loneliness is very common, affecting at least 1 in 4 seniors over the age of 85 at least sometimes, according to one study. Strong companion-type bonds that ward off feelings of loneliness or isolation can lead to increased life expectancy, a better quality of life, and improved cognitive function. These benefits only add to the brain function benefits that will come from learning something new or re-engaging in activities you have long remembered and enjoyed.

Puzzles

Solving a puzzle uses several brain activities and forms of intelligence working together. Solving a jigsaw, crossword, or word search puzzle is a calm and easily accessible activity that stimulates brain function and strengthens mental muscles. Plus, puzzles are said to lower stress and promote mindfulness, and they’re very rewarding upon completion!

Research shows that crossword puzzles may delay memory loss among those with dementia by more than two and a half years. They may preserve cognitive and memory functions better than some medications, and the benefits may last as long as ten years.

Several puzzles exist that are specially tailored to seniors with physical limitations or vision limitations, such as large-piece jigsaw puzzles and large print word searches.

Learn a new musical instrument

New research has found that people who started playing musical instruments as adults did better at memory recall tasks from middle to old age. The connection between music and memory function has been a popular point of research, and studies show that musical memories are often preserved throughout cognitive decline because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by Alzheimer’s disease.

Art

Art, and more specifically painting, is unique because it requires both the creative and logical skills of the brain simultaneously. Studies show that creative activities like painting slow down the development of memory disorders and increase cognitive function.

Find a chess partner

Chess is another activity that stimulates all areas of the brain and requires logic and creativity. Studies suggest that seniors who play chess have a lower risk of developing memory-related illnesses like Alzheimer’s.

Chess is another practice in problem or puzzle-solving that strengthens the forms of intelligence required to think quickly and retain memory. It’s also a social game; although it can be very quiet, it requires a friend to play. This shared hobby is another way to ease loneliness and promote stronger relationships.

Visiting Angels Knoxville has caregivers available in the Greater Knoxville area, including Anderson, Loudon, and Roane Counties, to help your daily hobbies grow. Caregivers can be a great source of encouragement to continue the activities that aid the most in your health, and they have often trusted confidants among our clients. Our in-home caregivers are well-versed in memory care and can provide further tips and suggestions for new hobbies that suit your lifestyle and boost cognition. Reach out today to learn about the complete list of services available to you or your loved one at (865) 531-4833.

Serving the Greater Knoxville Area including Anderson, Loudon & Roane Counties, TN

Visiting Angels KNOXVILLE, TN
106 Debusk Ln
Knoxville, TN 37922
Phone: 865-531-4833
Fax: 865-531-4835

Serving the Greater Knoxville Area including Anderson, Loudon & Roane Counties, TN

Visiting Angels KNOXVILLE, TN
106 Debusk Ln
Knoxville, TN 37922
Phone: 865-531-4833
Fax: 865-531-4835