We all know regular exercise is beneficial for overall health and living longer. Did you also know regular physical activity can boost memory and thinking skills? Several studies have indicated parts of the brain that control thinking and memory are larger in volume in people who exercise than in people who don’t.
Studies have also found that keeping the brain active can slow down cognitive decline associated with aging. Challenging the brain can also reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
There is also growing evidence that the brain maintains the ability to change and adapt so that people can manage new challenges and tasks. Some older adults may find that they don’t do as well as younger individuals on complex memory or learning tests. Given enough time to learn a new task however, they usually perform just as well.
Staying cognitively healthy improves daily life, allowing seniors to continue living independently and completing daily tasks like:
- Maintaining financial accounts
- Making healthy decisions
- Handling household chores and errands
- Keeping track of appointments and medications
- Cooking meals and shopping for groceries
Some adults tend to disengage from difficult tasks and goals, especially after they retire, putting them at a higher risk of cognitive decline. As we age, our brains undergo many changes, including those that impact memory, learning capabilities and thinking processes. At retirement age, some of these natural changes are already underway. The switch to retirement can speed up some of these changes without proper care to stay sharp.
Routines help us manage stress, get quality sleep, sharpen our minds and live healthier lives. This makes the transition from work to retirement a conflicting process. We need to establish new routines, as well as find ways to challenge our brain.
Challenging the mind with extensive reading and games involving words and numbers, such as crossword puzzles and Sudoku can boost mental sharpness. Consistently learning new things and retaining new information keeps your brain engaged. Puzzles and games are a fun way to use your decision making skills while promoting deep thinking and concentration.
Puzzles
Puzzles are great in helping seniors keep cognitive skills sharp. Popular puzzles for that purpose include jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, and more. Putting together a jigsaw puzzle is challenging because both memory and problem-solving skills are needed to place the correct pieces properly. Crossword puzzles are a great option because they require memory, spelling, vocabulary, and reasoning skills.
Word Searches
Word searches make great brain exercises for seniors because they require the use of several different skills. Completing a word search requires an individual to employ spelling, vocabulary, and visual skills all at the same time. This not only helps senior adults maintain their vocabulary skills, but it can also help keep their vision sharp.
Computer Applications
For many senior adults, keeping up with technological progress is a priority. This is why computer applications are a great way for residents to exercise their minds while learning to operate modern technology.. Certain computer applications or online activities allow seniors to master the latest advances in technology while sharpening cognitive skills.
People who believe they are not in control of their memory function — joking about “senior moments” too often — are less likely to work at maintaining or improving memory skills and therefore are more likely to experience cognitive decline. If you believe you can maintain and improve your mind and translate that belief into practice on a routine basis, you have a better chance of keeping your mind sharp.
These are the reasons why you see Tuesday Word Search and Friday Crosswords appearing on these pages. These activities (and more to come!) helped our loved one in the early stages of his progressive disease. They help pass time profitably for those who have a short term recovery. We know how expensive those books are at the magazine stand!! These puzzles are important for as long as they are used. (Great for a caretaker break as well!)
Terms of use: Printable Activities are free for your own household use. Previously published puzzles can be found under “Activity Printables” on the Caregiver Tools Dropdown. Activity Puzzles cannot be sold, republished or given away to groups. A link sent to your next door neighbor or your sister – that’s okay. But they cannot sell, republish or hand out copies to groups, either.
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