Brain Boosting Activities

Those seniors still deciding on a New Year’s resolution might consider one of the three following ways that they can boost their brain health. 

Keep Stress in Check

Stress can wreak havoc on both body and mind, but it doesn’t have to. Meditation is good for coping with stress as well as improving cognitive function. Meditation can stimulate both long-term and short-term memory and combats brain shrinkage, which can occur as a result of stress. Plus, meditation and related mindfulness can lead to improvements in mood. For those who meditation doesn’t work, activities such as socializing, spa treatments, or the company of an animal can help beat stress.

Play Games

Research shows improvement in cognitive function for up to an additional decade for those people who engage in thinking games. When it comes to games, there are always the old stand-bys: crosswords and Scrabble. Less popular options such as Balderdash engage the mind in social settings, while puzzle game Sudoku is another option. And memory games are good for the brain, of course. However, board and card games have exploded in recent years, providing new and novel games. It doesn’t matter if a senior has never played games before. Learning new skills and trying new activities can both boost brain health.

Exercise

Most people understand that exercise is good for a healthy body, but it also benefits the brain. There’s a reason why exercise is such a popular New Year’s resolution. A healthy lifestyle may even be more effective at delaying memory loss than medications or other medical interventions. When paired with a balanced and healthy diet, exercise contributes to physical health and maintain mobility as a person ages. Exercise doesn’t have to be a tedious or solo activity, either. Competitive sports such as tennis or bowling combine socializing with exercise, while many seniors choose walking as a low-impact form of exercise.

Similarly, swimming is a low-impact activity. However, many hobbies provide an opportunity for exercise and entertainment. Gardening is just one example.

Fortunately, opportunities for socializing, exercise, and games can be found in many senior living communities. For more information or to schedule a tour at one of our 5 locations, contact us today.