Best Ways to Stimulate the Senior Mind
Aging is a Given, but Staying Mentally Sharp Takes a Little Effort on the Senior's Part
Crossword puzzles are codes in Rubicon.
Credit: Immanuel Giel
Copyright: Wikimedia Commons
Copyright: Wikimedia Commons
These are some of the many pastimes we can pursue. Working our noodle is important in maintaining our mental well-being. Participate in life! Try to keep the mind and body active!
Using the computer. Emailing, researching information, even reading the daily news by computer, maintains cognitive skills.
Exercising. By moving the body with repetitious exercises, mind and body stay in synch with one another. Exercise also aids in banishing depression.
Crossword puzzles activate the mind. Researching words in the Dictionary or Thesaurus also encourages inquisitiveness and concentration.
Sudoku puzzles are challenging, but the mathematical synchronization process enables cognitive thinking and problem solving.
Gardening allows the mind to enjoy an outdoor experience. Getting hands dirty and working up a little sweat can yield tons of good endorphins, and the satisfaction of accomplishing a garden project from start to finish.
Walking is one of the best ways to keep a mind sharp. Walkers observe the outside world, and in turn, stay fit by using one of the best anti-depression strategies available.
Genealogy research can be challenging. However, by delving into ancestral names and relationships, the mind is stimulated by maintaining awareness of familial kinships.
Dancing is good for the soul! Seniors who dance can expect to stay mentally sharp and physically fit for a long time. Dancing also elevates the disposition. Even singing or humming to the music can benefit the mind, and bring back happy memories. Our Mom attended a Ray Price concert with us in her wheelchair, which brightened her day by hearing many of her favorite songs, and reminiscing.
Crafts can entertain as well as help the mind to stay on course (woodworking, leather tooling, art, knitting, sewing, scrap booking, etc.).
Playing board games help concentration and interaction (bingo, scrabble, trivial pursuit).
Card games, such as Canasta, Poker, and Uno, maintain sequential skills
Sports. Golf, bowling, shuffleboard, curling, swimming, fishing, shooting, participating in spectator sports (tournaments, games and competitions)...just do it.
Volunteering promotes well-being and sharpens the mind by providing a purpose and routine. A multitude of volunteer opportunities exist around the community, from hospitals, to schools , hospices and charities.
Use it or lose it!
Use it or lose it!
Socializing with family and friends keeps association strong through conversation and laughter. The mind stays sharp in such a friendly, fertile atmosphere. Isolation can be devastating.
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