Home care by Angels Calgary - mental health

 

 

Our elderly population is made up of numerous wonderful people. So many of our parents and grandparents offer us great wisdom and support as their several years of experience have enlightened them. Those many years, however, contribute to the challenges they presently face. As you know, seniors typically endure both physical and cognitive decline.

We tend to focus on the physical health of our elderly loved ones via nutrition and medications. But it’s important to never forget the importance of strengthening their mental stability. Here are three mental exercises that help seniors to enhance cognitive function:

 

1. Playing brain games.

 

For a lot of us, crossword puzzles, word searches, jigsaws, chess, Scrabble and Sudoku are simple and fun ways to entertain ourselves and pass the time. Seniors, on the other hand, can utilize these brain games to keep their minds sharp. Requiring a clear head and some thought to complete, these puzzle-based games challenge memory, invoke problem-solving skills and insist upon attention to detail. All of this contributes to cognitive health.

Psychology Today reports that a New England Journal of Medicine study of 107 older adults tested the impact of computerized brain games and crossword puzzles. It sought to find out if they were effective in slowing the progression of mild cognitive impairment. “Interestingly, the older adults who did the crossword puzzles regularly had significantly less cognitive decline, better functional skills and maintained more brain volume compared to those assigned to play the brain training game,” reports their website.

 

2. Reading and discussing books.

 

Many seniors enjoy reading. But it’s helpful to take things a step further by having them discuss what they’ve read. By reading, older adults are challenged to utilize their comprehension skills, memory retention and critical thinking. By discussing the books, they get to exercise their abilities to interpret, recollect and communicate their thoughts. Joining book clubs, therefore, is a great way for seniors to dive into these great brain-boosting exercises. As well, they get the opportunity to socialize.

“Engaging in reading and discussing books within a group setting stimulates cognitive function and promotes lifelong learning for seniors,” agrees Monarch Landing, “Book club discussions encourage critical thinking, analysis, and reflection, allowing seniors to delve deeper into the themes, characters, and messages conveyed in the books they read.”

 

3. Practicing meditation.

 

You may be surprised to see this one on the list. Relaxing your mind plays a big role in being able to sharpen it. Meditation promotes focus and reduces stress. This goes a long way in improving one’s memory retention. When seniors practice mediation, they better their concentration and boost their brains’ abilities to adapt and grow.

As Miranda M. Riva informs for the National Council on Aging, regular meditation and mindfulness protects the brain from the harmful effects of chronic stress. “Meditation increases gray matter density in brain regions associated with learning, memory, and self-awareness, potentially slowing down age-related brain atrophy,” she writes, “Mindfulness training improves attention, focus, and memory, ultimately promoting everyday cognitive functioning.”

 

How can Senior Homecare by Angels help?

 

We know how important it is to keep older adults contending with cognitive decline in comfortable and familiar surroundings. Our Dementia Support Services make it possible for those adapting to dementia to receive services where they feel the safest, the most secure and the most at home.

To learn all about it, please don’t hesitate to call us at 403-862-0129 or if outside of Calgary, toll-free at 1-877-209-6142. You may also visit our Contact Us page to complete and submit a simple contact form!