Older adults can improve their brain health, keep their mind sharp and enhance their cognitive function as they age. It’s possible thanks to a range of activities and brain exercises that seniors can enjoy.
What are these cognitive exercises that help to stimulate the brain? We’re sharing a few of the many below so you and your brain can enjoy all the benefits.
1. Games
Could brain health really be all fun and games? Well, they can certainly help make it more fun! Enhance your problem-solving skills, creativity and socialization with card games, board games, word games, brain training games and even video games.
- Try playing bridge and poker
- Play Scrabble, Yahtzee, Chess or Mahjong with friends
- Practice your word search, scramble and crossword puzzle skills
- Solve a Rubik’s Cubes or a Sudoku puzzle
- Explore your creativity with Minecraft or become a detective with a mystery video game
2. Music
Music reduces anxiety, blood pressure, pain and sleep problems while improving mood, mental alertness and memory. Not only this, but it keeps your mind engaged through the aging process and helps to stimulate your brain. Music is also instrumental in calming and soothing those with dementia and memory loss, and can even help them recall memories.
Take advantage of these benefits by:
- Listening to music
- Attending live performances
- Practicing or learning to play a musical instrument
- Performing for your friends and family
- Volunteering to give music lessons or teach singing lessons
- Trying to master a set of complicated songs on piano
3. Reading
Reading is good mental exercise and has a range of benefits for your brain. It strengthens your mind, prevents cognitive decline and helps you live longer, according to an article by Healthline.
If you’re not sure what you should be reading, don’t fret. Healthline’s article shares you should read anything you can get your hands on, including:
- Blogs (Like this one!)
- Historical fiction
- Fantasy
- Nonfiction
- Anything you’re interested in
4. Jigsaw Puzzles
Were you aware that jigsaw puzzles might help you enhance your visual and spatial abilities? Enjoy some of the benefits, and the fun, by:
- Purchasing some complex jigsaw puzzles
- Getting photographs of friends and family made into puzzles
- Having a jigsaw puzzle party with friends
- Getting a color-by-number jigsaw puzzle
5. Social Interaction
Believe it or not, being a social butterfly is an extremely brain-healthy activity. Not only does this have a positive impact on mental health, but it contributes to a sense of community.
- Join a social group
- Start a club
- Begin a weekly activity
- Host small gatherings or get togethers
- Dine with friends
- Volunteer
- Share your skills
6. Trivia
It comes as no surprise that trivia is good for your brain health and is a great mental exercise. Test your memory and enhance your knowledge with trivia by:
- Watching shows like Jeopardy
- Competing in trivia with friends
- Hosting a weekly or monthly trivia night
- Testing yourself with fact or fiction games
7. Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts don’t just improve relaxation, boost creativity and provide an emotional outlet. They are also a valuable form of brain exercise for seniors.
- Take up writing
- Start woodworking
- Follow your passions for painting
- Try sculpting or pottery
- Learn to knit or crochet
Take Advantage of It All at Waterstone at the Circle
Residents who live at Waterstone at the Circle enjoy a variety of opportunities to enhance their brain health and exercise their mind. Every day, they can:
- Participate in one or many of our clubs and social groups
- Attend our various social, educational and cultural events
- Socialize with friends and family over a delicious meal
- Learn something new with educational lectures
- Explore our surrounding community
- Continue their careers or pursue volunteer opportunities
- Pursue a new passion or hone in on their past skills
- Share their talents with friends
- Make use of our many services and amenities
Physical health is also an area of focus in our community, and even better, it can also help enhance brain health.
Experience It for Yourself
At Waterstone at the Circle, our full calendar of activities for mental and physical health is sure to suit your interests. We invite you to experience all that awaits for yourself. Simply call us to schedule a personal visit or talk to a member of our team today.