Easy Brain-Stimulating Activities for Seniors in McKinney, TX and Surrounding Areas

Everyone needs a healthy brain, but it's especially important for older people to keep their brains working well. People over the age of 65 are more likely to have cognitive decline and are at a higher risk of experiencing memory loss, having a stroke or being diagnosed with dementia. Because of age-related concerns, seniors are more likely to isolate themselves and shun social activities, which may have a negative influence on their cognitive health.

At Visiting Angels McKinney, our caregivers must meet strict requirements in order to provide the best in-home care for our elderly clients. We are concerned about more than simply our clients' physical wellbeing. Their mental and emotional health are of equal importance to us, as well. This is why our caregivers look for ways to keep seniors in McKinney, Allen, Frisco, Prosper and other Texas cities active intellectually while also halting cognitive decline.

People worried about an elderly family member or friend's mental well-being might use these ideas to keep their brains busy and engaged.

Find Mentally Challenging Activities

In order to keep the brain busy, Harvard Med recommends engaging in activities that are difficult and need experience. Since these activities require seniors to try something new (or a different way of doing something they already know how) and mix mental functions such as problem-solving and creative thinking, seniors benefit the most from them. They also require them to repeatedly do the same thing, which aids in the retention of new skills.

Playing a board or card game with your elderly loved one might help keep their brain engaged. You should also encourage their participation in more diverse artistic and musical endeavors, such as painting or learning how to play an instrument. You can help your loved one feel and think better if they get more exercise.

Even if your loved one is left alone at home all day, there are several activities they may engage in to keep their minds active. Reading and doing puzzles like crosswords and Sudoku helps keep their brain engaged and help them come up with new approaches to tackle difficulties.

Learning Something New

If you support your loved one's desire to learn new things, their cognitive health will significantly improve. Your brain continues to expand as you become older, so learning new things can help counteract the cognitive decline that occurs with age. According to the American Society on Aging, making a commitment to lifelong learning can help reduce your chance of developing dementia.

Your elderly loved one has many opportunities for learning new information and skills. There may be activities at a senior center where folks may acquire new skills or information on topics they hadn't previously been aware of (it will also give your loved one a chance to socialize with other seniors in their community). Attend lectures and seminars offered by local libraries in addition to their extensive selection of books. Your loved one may learn new things or keep up with their current hobbies from the comfort of their own home with the help of apps and online programs.

Socializing

Keeping in touch with family and friends can be advantageous for the emotional and mental health of seniors. The risk of cognitive decline in elderly people who are socially engaged is reduced by an average of 70 percent, according to one study. Keeping in contact with a loved one who is socially adept but unable to attend social gatherings due to age-related mobility challenges, poor vision or a tendency to miss significant events may be tough.

With your family, take as many trips as possible to see the person you love. Come home from work, call a friend or family member and talk about their day. It's possible that your loved one will spend time with other individuals they care about while in town. Keep in touch with an elderly relative who lives far away via social media.

Stay Healthy

Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly can help elderly people avoid memory loss and cognitive decline. Maintaining a regular exercise schedule will help keep your loved one healthy and active both physically and mentally. As an example, they could go for a brisk walk in the park or follow a workout DVD. Increased blood flow to the brain is possible even with gentle physical activity.

Your loved one's mental clarity may also improve if they maintain a healthy weight and eat a balanced diet. Strawberries and peppers, for example, may slow cognitive decline. Additionally, your loved one can broaden their culinary horizons by learning new recipes and shopping for healthier ingredients and snacks.

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

When you're looking for activities that will keep your loved one's mind busy and engaged, Visiting Angels McKinney can help. Our caregivers can encourage your loved one to learn new information and engage in activities that stimulate their brain.

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
• 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
• Accompanying them on daily strolls

With the help of in-home care services from Visiting Angels McKinney, you can rest easy knowing that your elderly loved one is being cared for and is participating in activities designed to keep their mind active.

Call Visiting Angels McKinney at 214-491-1999 to schedule a free in-home consultation today!