According to the Alzheimer’s Association, seniors who build mentally stimulating activities into their daily routine develop a strong cognitive reserve. Here are 4 practices you can incorporate into your daily routine to keep your mind active.
Try New Things
While this first practice may initially seem counterintuitive, you can keep your brain sharp by changing your daily routines every once in a while! For example, try something simple like brushing your teeth or eating your cereal with your non-dominant hand. This challenges your brain to work outside of your set routines and re-engage for activities that it’s normally on autopilot for.
Keep Learning
Make it a goal of yours to be a lifelong learner. People who continue to learn new skills, especially later in life, have been found to have the potential to reduce or delay cognitive changes that can occur due to aging. In fact, a Mayo Clinic Study of Aging found that reading can decrease your chances of developing dementia by as much as 50%.
Try embracing new technology or taking a class to learn a new hobby. Learning about new concepts stimulates your brain, boosts your mood, and might even give you a new favorite activity!
Activate Your Mind with Games
Arts and crafts are a great way to kickstart your imagination as well as keep your hands nimble, and they don’t have to be expensive or elaborate to be effective!
Word and logic puzzles can be another fun way to activate your brain, and the best part is even if you don’t figure out all of the answers, you get all of the same benefits for simply trying to solve them! You can find puzzles with larger pieces or print that are specifically developed for seniors.
Bingo, online interactive games, and math puzzles are other fun ways that you can use to give your brain a workout. Try doing them by yourself or with a friend as a fun socializing activity for compounded benefits!
Socialize More
Making new friends or spending time with them can have positive effects on your social life and brain health. Make it a part of your daily or weekly routine to spend time with those you love. Be courageous and also push yourself outside of your comfort zone to meet new people!
Conversation and engaging with others can help you combat isolation, loneliness, and restore a sense of purpose. Other benefits of socializing include:
- Less stress and anxiety—seniors who can cope with their stress also have decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and improved immune system
- Increased lifespan
- Higher likelihood to exercise regularly
- Reduced risk of depression
- Greater self-esteem and sense of worth
Although the winter months can be lonely, you can help your loved ones enjoy this time with some simple planning! Give our team of care professionals a call today to book your tour of our community.