Easy Brain-Stimulating Activities for Seniors in Naples, FL and Surrounding Areas
A healthy brain is essential for everyone, but maintaining cognitive function in old age is especially crucial. People over the age of 65 are more likely to have cognitive decline and are at a greater risk of developing memory loss, having a stroke or getting diagnosed with dementia. Seniors are also more prone to isolate themselves and shun social activities as they become older because of age-related issues, which may have a detrimental impact on their cognitive health.
In order to offer the finest possible in-home care for each and every one of the seniors we assist, we at Visiting Angels Naples have set high standards for our caregivers. We worry about more than just our clients’ physical health. We place equal value on their cognitive and emotional well-being. It is because of this that our caregivers discover methods to keep elderly and disabled adults in Naples, Marco Island and the surrounding towns in Florida engaged in mentally stimulating activities while also preventing cognitive deterioration.
For anyone concerned about an aging family member or friend's mental health, here are some fun and simple activities they may engage in to keep their minds active.
Find Mentally Challenging Activities
Harvard Med says that the best way to keep the brain active is to do things that are mentally challenging and take practice. Seniors benefit from these activities the most because they force them to try something new (or a different way to do something they already know how to do), they involve a mix of mental functions like problem-solving and creative thinking and they make them do the same thing over and over, which helps them commit the skill to memory.
Playing a board or card game with your senior loved one could help keep their mind active. Encourage them to do other kinds of art or music, like painting or playing an instrument. If your loved one is more active, a new fitness plan may help them feel and think better.
Even if your loved one is home alone all day, there are many things they can do to keep themselves mentally stimulated. Reading and doing puzzles like crosswords and Sudoku can keep their mind active and help them think of ways to solve problems that they hadn't thought of before.
Learning Something New
Your loved one's cognitive health will improve considerably if you encourage them to learn new things. Learning new things can assist in offsetting the decline in cognitive abilities that comes with aging since your brain continues to grow. Making a commitment to lifelong learning may also lower your risk of dementia, according to the American Society on Aging.
There are so many options for lifelong learning available to your senior loved one. For example, a local senior center may include programs where adults can learn new skills or topics they didn't know before (it will also give your loved one a chance to socialize with other seniors in their community). You and your loved one may attend lectures and seminars held by local libraries in addition to their collection of books. Apps and online classes are available to assist your loved one learn new things or stay up to speed on their present interests without needing to leave their home.
Socializing
It may be beneficial for a senior's emotional and mental well-being to keep in touch with friends and relatives. According to one study, seniors who are socially active had a 70 percent lower likelihood of cognitive loss. Your loved one may be socially savvy, but if they are unable to attend social gatherings owing to age-related mobility difficulties, are unable to drive themselves to such events due to bad eyesight or often forget to attend important events, it may be difficult for you to keep in touch.
Make as many excursions as possible to see your loved one with your family. You could, for example, phone a loved one and chat about their day when you get home from work. While your loved one is in town, they may also spend time with other people they care about. To remain in contact with an older relative who lives farther away, you should utilize social media.
Stay Healthy
Maintaining strong physical health may also prevent memory loss and decrease cognitive decline in elderly adults. You can help your loved one stay active by encouraging them to stick to a regular routine. They can take a light jog through the park or follow along with a workout DVD, for example. Even a little amount of physical activity may help raise their heart rate and increase blood flow to their brain.
A healthy weight and a balanced diet may also improve your loved one's mental clarity. Consuming foods like strawberries and peppers may reduce the rate of cognitive deterioration. As an added benefit, it gives your beloved the opportunity to try new cuisines and discover new recipes and culinary skills.
How Can Home Care from Visiting Angels Naples Help My Senior Loved One Stay Sharp?
At Visiting Angels Naples, our caregivers can assist your loved one in choosing activities that they’ll enjoy and that will also keep them cognitively active.
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
Visiting Angels Naples provides in-home care services to guarantee that your loved one is being cared for and that they are engaged in activities that are meant to keep their mind stimulated.