Senior brain health is affected by a variety of factors. Chief among those factors is our willingness to be as proactive as possible. Here are some of the exercises that proven to have a positive effect on the brain health of seniors everywhere.
Pick Up a New Sport
By picking up a new sport that you have never played before or may not have a strong level of proficiency in, you are taking the proper steps towards exercising your mind and your body. Regular physical activity also serves to alleviate stress and anxiety and this is also good for long term brain health.
Work on Hand/Eye Coordination
Any activity that allows the senior to work on their hand/eye coordination is a great choice. The hobbies that force us to work on our fine motor skills are the best addition to a daily routine when we are looking to boost brain health. Drawing, putting together puzzles and painting are just a few activities that fall into this category.
Make Word Pictures
This one is easy: simply picture a word in your mind. From there, try your best to imagine words that either begin or end with the same letters as the word that you initially pictured.
Learn a New Language
Many seniors are unaware of the fact that they should be working to enhance their vocabulary as they age. One of the easiest ways to do this is by taking the time to learn a brand new language. All of the hearing and listening that we are doing during this process only serves to stimulate the brain.
Escape Rooms
An escape room is a game of strategy where players must use clues to "escape the room" before the time runs out. Crossword puzzles are great but they lack the physical component escape games provide. With escape games, you're constantly moving and giving both the brain and the body a rigorous workout. The greatest part is that the skills you learn from each game carry over into the real world. By challenging your brain to solve clues, of this sort, from different angles, it leads to the production of new neurons in the brain, which can aid in problem-solving and memory.
Reading
Reading fiction can help us deal with situations in life that differ from how we'd like things to play out in the real world. What's more, is that there is a social aspect to reading as there are a number of book clubs to join where you can revel in your passion for reading with other enthusiasts.
Scrabble
Do you ever have those moments when there's a word right on the tip of your tongue but you can't seem to get it out? Well, word games—like Scrabble—can help with that. The reason being is that these types of games stimulate the mind's ability to recall words, known as recall memory. Pinging these areas of the mind essentially keeps the brain on its toes and helps you to stay fluent in speech, which is especially useful in social situations.\
Test Your Taste Buds
When eating a meal, see if you are able to successfully identify the herbs and spices that are contained within without asking the chef. These sorts of brain teasers are a unique way to keep the mind sharp and stave off any functional declines.
At Caring Senior Service, our expert staff is comprised of extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and trusted professionals who take pride in helping your loved one manage their daily activities. Contact a Caring team near you today to learn more!
