Keeping Senior Minds Active

It is normal to get a little more forgetful or confused as we age. Some changes in cognitive abilities are common, such as being slower to recall names or words, having a shorter attention span and having difficulty multitasking. However, just because you age doesn’t mean you still can’t be mentally sharp.

Research shows that older adults still can:

• learn new skills
• form new memories
• improve vocabulary and language skills

While some older adults may not perform as well as their younger counterparts on complex learning or memory tests, if given enough time, they often can learn and perform new tasks just as well. But just like exercise keeps our bodies in shape, we need to keep that big muscle in our head active.

Here are some tips for keeping senior minds active.

1. Physical Exercise - Staying physically active helps increase regular blood flow to the brain. It helps with coordination, stimulating your brain. Even a simple daily walk with the dog can help seniors get their exercise in. Or, try a new form of exercise. Give pickleball a try. The sport continues to grow in popularity, especially among seniors. it will help keep your brain active as you learn a new sport and focus on hand-eye-coordination.
2. Learn Something - Research has shown that a higher level of education is associated with better mental functioning in older age. That doesn’t mean that you need a PhD from Harvard to keep your mental skills sharp. However, experts think that advanced education helps keep memory strong, because it gets people into the habit of being mentally active and learning. You also can do this by learning a new hobby or skill, volunteering and learning the ins-and-outs of the new organization you’re working for, or learning a new language.
3. Play that Song - Music can activate some of the brain’s most extensive pathways networks. It also can elicit memories, keeping your brain active. Listen to your favorite tune as you do work around the house, turn up the show tunes in the car or exercise to your favorite bops. 
4. Let Your Artistic Side Shine - Draw, paint or take up mosaic making. As you let those creative juices slow, you’re helping to keep your mind active. Experts say crafting and creating art releases dopamine and stimulates the growth of new neurons in the brain. It's also just really fun and rewarding to see something beautiful you’ve created.
5. Did you Get the Wordle Today? - Doing crosswords, puzzles and even the daily Wordle can help keep your mind active. Make a family challenge. See who can get the Wordle in the least number of tries or find the most words in a crossword puzzle in a half hour. Exercise your mental muscles. 
6. Socialize More - Spend time with your family and friends, or make new friends. Join a club or support group. However, you do it, get out there and socialize more. A recent study showed that adults with a consistently high or increased social engagement had a lower risk of dementia.
7. Eat Healthy - You know the drill. Eat healthy! It’s not only good for you physically, but also mentally. Research shows that green leafy vegetables, seafood, berries and other vegetables can be neuroprotective. They’ve also found that avoiding saturated fats, and consuming more vitamin b, e and omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent dementia. Consuming too much sugar slows you down and makes you tired, reducing mental alertness. Talk to your doctor about the best diet for you.

We Can Help

If you need some help ensuring your senior’s mind stays active, we can help. A Visiting Angels in-home caregiver can help with everything from socialization to meal preparation. With clients in The Villages, Lady Lake, Fruitland Park, and other communities in Lake and Sumter counties, we are experts at helping seniors maintain meaningful lives. For information on helpers in Lake and Sumter Counties, contact us online or call us at (352) 643-0702. Our main office is located at 367 Fennell Blvd. in Lady Lake, FL.