Brain Exercises for Seniors at Morada Rogers That Boost Focus and Memory
Did you know that up to three percent of adults develop dementia each year, according to the Mayo Clinic? What begins as mild cognitive impairment can transform into a debilitating mental condition affecting cognitive wellness.
Brain exercises are among the most effective methods for combating dementia. Memory support routines provide mental stimulation and keep your mind active as you age.
Are you a senior in Rogers, AR, looking to enhance your cognitive acuity in your golden years? Read on to discover effective brain exercises for seniors.
Crossword Puzzles
Crossword puzzles provide excellent mental stimulation. Whether you look forward to the weekly puzzle in the New York Times or you solve crosswords on your phone, the options are endless.
One of the many advantages of crossword puzzles is that they come in all different shapes and sizes. Try a miniature crossword for a few minutes of brain exercise, or put in the work by doing a full puzzle every day.
Needlework
Needlework activities may seem like things you can do on autopilot, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Many of these crafts foster creativity and opportunities to expand your skillset.
Some of the most popular types of needlework include:
- Embroidery
- Knitting
- Cross stitch
- Crocheting
- Quiltmaking
- Needlepoint
If you reside in a senior living community, check the activities calendar for any crafting groups to join. Or, you can start your own.
You can even do needlework for a charitable cause. Exercise your brain with creative projects, which you can then donate to a local nonprofit or homeless shelter.
Scrabble
Per Word Counter, the average person retains anywhere from 20,000 to 35,000 English words. Take those skills for a spin while regularly playing Scrabble.
Play with a traditional Scrabble board or on a device like a smartphone or an iPad. The best part? Scrabble has gone digital; if you do not have people to play with locally, you can connect with players all over the globe.
Another alternative to Scrabble is Words With Friends, which comes exclusively in the form of a mobile app.
Jigsaw Puzzles
Nothing feels better than clicking the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle into place. What if you could experience that high regularly?
Jigsaw puzzles are suited for enrichment in aging for many reasons:
- They come in all different sizes and skill levels
- You can work on them as much or as little as you would like
- You may be able to frame your finished product
While jigsaws are enjoyable, they can be costly. Check your local library to see if they have puzzles you can borrow. There are also puzzle subscription services, where you pay a monthly fee to trade in as many puzzles as you wish.
Word Searches
Searching for words in a puzzle enhances concentration and memory skills. All you need is a bit of free time and a highlighter or other writing utensil.
Word searches are also a cost-effective activity. Printing out pages to complete costs pennies. You can also order word search books online for low prices or pick them up at your local convenience store.
Bingo
There is a reason bingo tends to be a popular game option for seniors. This fast-paced activity combines fun and quick thinking for the opportunity to win prizes.
Most bingo nights occur at the same time and place weekly or monthly. See if you can join a bingo group within your senior living community or at a local senior center.
Sudoku
Do you have a knack for numbers? If so, Sudoku might be the perfect brain exercise for your cognitive well-being.
Sudoku involves puzzles that usually feature a nine-by-nine grid, made up of nine larger squares. The goal is for each row, column, and nine-square box to contain one of each number without repeating.
Easier Sudoku puzzles have more numbers filled in, while harder ones have fewer numbers and involve more guesswork. Start with easy puzzles and work your way up to harder levels as you get better at Sudoku.
Gardening
Rigorous cognitive exercises are not always necessary for optimal senior brain health. Gardening provides myriad benefits to sharpen your mind and focus on an enjoyable activity.
Gardening offers benefits such as:
- Improved memory
- Problem-solving
- Increased focus
- Creativity
- Reduced anxiety and stress
Additionally, you will achieve a beautiful garden to be proud of.
Trivia
As you grow older, you accumulate more knowledge. Test your acumen with trivia.
Try playing an engaging trivia-based game, such as:
- Jeopardy
- Trivial Pursuit
- Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Many bars and restaurants also hold special trivia nights based on specific topics, such as decades or films. Take a look at events near you to see if anything jumps out.
Artistic Activities
You don't need to be a world-class painter or sculptor to unleash your inner artist; creating art for fun has numerous cognitive benefits.
Try your hand at an art form you have always wanted to delve into. If you make a piece you're particularly proud of, consider displaying it in your home.
Physical Activity
Exercise is just as important for senior brain health as mental stimulation. Regular workouts boost endorphins, which may help to enhance your memory and overall cognitive function.
At Morada Rogers, physical health is crucial for the happiness and health of our residents. Our exclusive fitness program specializes in senior workouts, from Tai Chi to yoga.
Aim for four to five workouts every week. Remember to consult with your doctor before trying anything new.
Try These Brain Exercises for Seniors Today
You shouldn't worry about mental deterioration as you age. These brain exercises for seniors help you stay sharp and enjoy your golden years fully.
At Morada Rogers, we're dedicated to providing our residents with the highest standard of living. From a full roster of activities to premier health and dining options, you can experience positive enrichment in aging.
Are you interested in learning more about our stunning community in Rogers, AR? Reach out to us today or visit us in person for a tour. We can't wait to hear from you!