According to the World Health Organization (WHO), neurological conditions are the leading cause of disability adjusted life years (DALYs), and 10.4% of neurological DALYs are caused by dementia. While we can't completely prevent many of these conditions, there are certainly ways we can lessen our risks.
Staying mentally sharp and curious is essential to maintaining our intellectual wellness, which is just as vital as our physical health. This is especially important as we get older and the risks of dementia and other cognitive issues rise.
So what can seniors do for intellectual wellness activities in Southlake, TX to keep their minds sharp? Read on for excellent suggestions regarding cognitive activities for aging adults.
For a stimulating mental workout, do:
These activities require you to recall vocabulary, apply reasoning, and sometimes, think outside the box. You'll find that tackling these challenges will also:
The best thing about them is that you can do them in the morning with your first cup of coffee or unwind with them before bed. You can get both printable versions and apps that have puzzles of all difficulty levels.
Try to switch up the types you do to keep your brain challenged in various ways.
A fun and interesting way to keep up with senior brain health is to read. It keeps your brain engaged and improves focus, in addition to preserving your memory.
What's great is that there are many different types of reading, such as:
Whichever you choose, it can provide a mental escape while also stimulating your imagination and critical thinking.
Reading solo is always fun, but so is reading with buddies. If you're open to more social interactions to combat loneliness, then consider joining a book exchange or club.
When you want to rest your eyes or multitask, use audiobooks instead. This can free up your resources and energy.
Writing can be a powerful tool, especially for reflection, creativity, and brain exercise.
You can start with daily journaling. It can help you:
An added benefit is that it can be an outlet for gratitude, as well as for processing emotions and capturing meaningful memories for future generations.
Besides journaling, you can try creative writing exercises. For example, you can write short stories, poems, or fictional letters to loved ones. Even if you write short things like recipes, dream logs, or reflections on photos, this can still stimulate the brain!
The key is to express yourself freely and consistently.
The brain thrives when it's not stagnant; you need to introduce novelty often, and this is doable through learning new skills and picking up new hobbies.
There are lifelong learning programs out there where you can:
These all stimulate different areas of your brain and encourage growth, so choose a hobby that excites you, even if it feels challenging at first. It's good for you since it boosts neuroplasticity, which means that it helps your brain form new connections and stay adaptable.
You don't necessarily have to take classes either. You can always use books, video tutorials, or even free online courses.
Board games and card games might be fun and exciting, but they're not just entertainment. They're actually brain boosters, and they're ideal for assisted living enrichment.
The following games can help enhance memory, strategy, and decision-making skills:
Many of these games also support the following pattern recognition, mental math, and social connection when played with others.
Rotate between games to keep your mind engaged from multiple angles (verbal, numerical, logical, and spatial).
Have you ever come out of an arts session feeling refreshed and accomplished? This is because creative expression is deeply linked to mental well-being and cognitive function. Not only do you activate fine motor skills, but you also get to practice problem-solving skills. Some activities you can try are:
Don't worry about making your creations perfect. What's important is the journey of creating, not the end result. You can lower stress levels while keeping your mind actively engaged.
Music is a specific form of art that taps into deep parts of the brain related to memory and emotion. Listening to your favorite tunes can transport you to another time, making it great for memory care engagement. It can also lift your mood and spark conversations.
For even more cognitive benefits, you should:
When practicing an instrument, you'll engage both hemispheres of the brain. This strengthens your focus and coordination.
Also, learning lyrics or playing familiar songs from your youth can activate long-term memory pathways.
Mindfulness meditation is fantastic for calming your mind and improving emotional regulation. It'll also strengthen your attention span.
To stay more present and aware, practice:
These can reduce mental clutter and improve your decision-making skills.
If you're apprehensive, do know that you don't have to sit in silence for hours. Even 5-10 minutes a day of focused awareness can sharpen your concentration.
Intellectual wellness activities are key to having a sharp and strong mind. This is especially useful for older adults, as they're more susceptible to cognitive issues.
The good news is that most (if not all) activities are fun and engaging, so you won't feel forced to do them. It'll be easy and natural to integrate them into your daily life.
Contact us now if you want to discuss senior living in Southlake, TX. Discovery Village Southlake has six exclusive lifestyle programs that are specifically designed to improve our residents' quality of life.