In order to keep our wits sharp, we need stimulation and challenge. This doesn't mean we have to complete endless brain twisters and memorization exercises. While solving puzzles and committing Bible verses or poetry to memory are great ways to improve your mental health, they aren't the only ways to keep your mind engaged. In fact, many popular hobbies and interests, such as reading and gardening, can reduce the chances of developing dementia.
As we plan the monthly calendar each month here at Autumn View Gardens, we carefully choose activities that will promote both happiness and health in our residents' lives. By participating in these programs and games, seniors can know that they are improving their minds while having fun with their friends around the community.
Seniors can also take steps on their own to protect their memory with these three tips to keep their minds sharp.
Studies have shown that dancing is uniquely effective at lowering chances of developing dementia. It's believed that the mixture of music, social interaction and decision-making processes is the reason for this benefit.
One study published by the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that frequent dancing was actually better in this area then reading or completing crossword puzzles. Seniors who'd like to learn more can read this article posted by Stanford Dance Division.
Whether seniors are planning a dream trip or just want to learn about a language and country they find interesting, there are a lot of benefits for those who choose to become bilingual.
The brain is a muscle, and like any of the muscles in our body, we have to use it in order for it to remain fit and healthy. Trying to understand and fluently speak or write in another language can be quite difficult, but the fact that learning a different language is hard is actually one of the biggest reasons that it is so valuable. It's by learning something new that our minds grow and form new pathways. This expansion then improves the efficiency of our minds.
Another advantage is improved memory. By recalling the meaning of words they are learning, seniors can exercise the parts of the mind that help them remember things in daily life such as grocery lists or directions.
There are many ways that seniors can benefit from taking music lessons, such as increased confidence, improved finger dexterity and lowered stress levels. These are just the beginning, however, as recent studies have proven that learning to play an instrument boosts the amount of grey matter in the brain, enhances memory and improves multitasking skills.
Since remaining socially active is also a key component to preventing dementia, seniors who opt to take group classes stand the chance to gain even greater results and make friendships with other music-loving individuals.
