New Physical & Mental Activities for Seniors

We all depend on our brains for thinking, speaking, learning, reading, writing, critical thinking, and remembering events. Keeping cognitive skills sharp can help with a better quality of life. Studies indicate that exercising your brain might aid in staving off diseases affecting memory, such as dementia and Alzheimer's. When you notice your aging loved one struggling to remember things, it may be time to give them some new activities that prevent rapid cognitive decline. Remember that not only does Mom need to keep her mind sharp, but physical activities will also help improve her quality of life. By bringing in an elder care professional to assist your loved one, you give them the best possible chance at living a full life.

Fun, Mind-and-Body Activities to Live Life

There are many different activities to fit most personalities and capabilities. A home care worker can step in and aid your senior with many of the listed suggestions:

1. Arts and Crafts: It is not only about reaching for the construction paper and glue. Think of those hobbies that use fine motor skills, such as knitting, needlepoint, woodworking, or painting.
2. Puzzles (not just the jigsaw kind): Human beings love to solve puzzles, and it helps our minds stay sharp. Encourage your loved one to work on puzzles. There are websites with brain teasers, interactive games, and logic puzzles online that they can pull up on their tablet or laptop. Sudoku is a popular and challenging logic game that requires problem-solving and looking for number patterns. There are even brain training games geared toward aging adults with dementia.
3. Dancing: This activity may be a well-rounded choice for active adults. Not only is there physical movement, but the brain is also engaged in learning new steps while enjoying social interaction. You may even find dance classes with chair dancing lessons for those unable to stand.
4. Brain training apps: Many elderly adults are now using smartphones. Instead of scrolling through social media, why not download a brain training app to engage your senior? They can help improve concentration levels and problem-solving.
5. Brain yoga: Your loved one doesn’t have to get on the floor and use a mat for this one. The premise of brain yoga is to stimulate the brain using only the body and breathing techniques. It helps improve hand-eye coordination, mental relaxation, and reduces the impact of a host of other common ailments that seniors generally face.

Compassionate Elder Care Professionals—At Home

Encourage movement and mental stimulation for your seniors through fun activities. You will find your aging parent enjoying life as they sharpen their mind and increase their physical stamina. The team at Home Instead Kitchener-Waterloo, ON understands this vital part of growing older. We encourage our elderly clients to engage in activities that stimulate their minds and bodies. We look forward to having conversations and playing card games. We are here to support your loved one through our many different services tailored to their needs. Look to us for companionship, personal care assistance, cooking, light housekeeping, medication management, and Alzheimer's care. Learn more when you contact us today.

Call us at (519) 571-1665 to schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation. Learn more about the compassionate, quality senior care we deliver every day to families in Kitchener-Waterloo, Breslau, Conestogo, Elmira, St Jacobs, and surrounding areas.