What comes to your mind when you are asked to think of a healthy lifestyle? More often than not, we tend to think of physical health aspects such as a nutritious diet and frequent exercise. Although these are indeed key components of a healthy lifestyle, to have a truly well-rounded life, one must not neglect mental health! Thus, to help you, we have compiled a series of cognitive exercises that your loved ones can practice to help them maintain their overall brain functions. These help to encourage your loved ones to practice active recall, critical thinking, and more, all of which are crucial to preventing the early onset of memory loss diseases.
Meditating
First up is meditation. Meditation is constantly lauded as one of the best mental exercises for older adults for a good reason! It promotes relaxation and soothes them which helps to prevent stress and anxiety while also encouraging them to focus and concentrate. This not only regulates their moods and lifts their spirits but also helps keep them sharp and alert. Moreover, there are now a wide variety of applications or videos online that provide guided meditation instructions which can benefit older folks who are unfamiliar with meditation.
Engaging in Thoughtful Conversation
Next up, another simple but effective cognitive tool for older adults is social interaction and thoughtful conversations. This allows your loved ones to practice their speaking skills while thinking proactively and critically. This also seeks to stimulate their minds. On top of this, engaging in such thought-provoking conversations with like-minded individuals is socially beneficial. Not only does this combat loneliness as well as isolation but it also allows your loved ones to form bonds with people of similar age groups. Doing so has been proven to be a mood-booster and a refresher to the mind.
Arts And Crafts Activities
Another classic but effective way to improve your loved one’s memory is through arts and crafts such as painting or drawing. This also helps their fine motor skills while calming and soothing them. This allows them to relieve stress and sharpens their cognitive abilities since much focus is required.
Picking Up A New Language
Yet another way to curb memory loss in older folks is by encouraging them to pick up a new language. This is a way to help improve their recall abilities and their critical thinking. Practicing a new language also helps them maintain their speaking abilities. Better yet, they can find a pen pal who speaks the language they are learning! This way, they can make new friends, form social bonds and actively combat memory loss.
Going on Outdoor Walks
Finally, outdoor hiking and nature walks are great ways to help seniors feel independent, connected, and alert. You can encourage your loved one to say out the names of animals or plants they see as they leisurely stroll which will once again stimulate their cognitive functions and force them to rely on their active recall.
To conclude, while memory loss can be very real and scary, there are ways to tackle the issues and slow down the process. Sometimes, memory care communities are also a great way to help care for older adults suffering from memory loss.
