As nice as it is to have a clear cut routine and menu of TV shows to watch, our bodies need more. If there is any single rule to follow its to constantly seek novelty. When we experience new and different things, our brains light up like a Christmas tree. Here are some easy ways to keep your brain sharp without going too far out of your way.
1) Play Your Grand Kid’s Video Game
I filled in for a caregiver yesterday with an 83-year old man and had an amazing time. We played 3 games of rummikub and he beat me every time. I left with a slight headache from all the concentration. He plays rummikub and other board games with his home caregiver on a daily basis and he is very competitive. He enjoys the conversation and companionship the caregiver provides as well as the cognitive stimulation. Games such as card games, playing board games and brain teasers, including logic puzzles, crossword puzzles are recommended and encouraged by in-home care agency, Extended Family Home Care, to maintain and engage mental functions, cognitive function skills that involve reasoning, problem solving, memory, information processing and concentration.
Despite many of our grandkids spending entirely too many hours behind screens, gaming is actually good for mental acuity. Since many of us have rarely picked up a controller, this new experience can help us two-fold. You get a bonding experience with your grandchildren and your brain will struggle to understand how the characters on the screen are controlled by your fingers. You might not be an all-star when you start, but with practice, your brain will adapt, perhaps faster than you realize.
2) Socialize with more Intention
Socializing is like mental aerobics. As we listen, our brain processes the information and creates ways for us to respond. Though it might seem very natural to talk about friends, family and the weather, mixing in new topics can challenge your memory and create new connections for you as you go. Book clubs and other associations are a great way to keep conversations interesting.
3) Pick Up a New Sport
Not all sports are for young folk. Croquet, bocce, horseshoes and many other games are often within reason as we age. Learning new rules, strategies, and most importantly, how to use your body to win will keep your brain firing on all cylinders.
4) Eat Foods You Can’t Pronounce
This might seem sacrilegious to some since the food we love can be near and dear to our hearts. But, mix it up a little. Instead of claiming you don’t like something, give it a try anyways. You’ll live through it and your brain will thank you later.
Would you like help doing something new? Extended Family provides home care services to Denver area residents that can help maintain memory and physical abilities as we age.
Maintaining Health
To stay happy and healthy we need to maintain proper nutrition, stay active and keep a strong social network, but it isn’t always easy. Physical tasks can become more difficult. As hearing, strength and vision deteriorate, we can see a doctor or trainer, but what about everything else that isn’t medical, like driving or cleaning? For all of your non-medical needs, there is in-home care.
In-home Help
In-home caregivers can provide a wide range of services, on-demand. Driving, cooking, cleaning, bathing, shopping and any other non-medical need you can think of within reason.
Care can be customized to fit any senior’s needs. Knowing someone is there to care and help whenever necessary provides a piece of mind for everyone.
