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Brain Activities for Seniors

As we age, it’s natural for us to forget little facts like the name of a teacher or a street we lived on four decades ago. These bits of information may seem relatively inconsequential, but the more of this information we lose, the more likely it is a sign of a decline in cognitive skills.

Cognitive skills are the mental processes that we use to think, remember, and learn. They allow us to process and understand information, solve problems, and make decisions. When these skills start to decline, it can impact our ability to live independently.

One of the best ways to combat these problems and keep your mind mentally sharp is through brain activities for seniors. There are a variety of activities that can be done both in groups and individually. What you do is completely up to your interests.

Puzzles

Puzzles are perfect for keeping your mind active and improving upon problem-solving skills. They are built to accommodate those of all skill levels. If you’re new to puzzles, you could start with a simple hundred-piece option. If you’re more experienced, some puzzles are even tens of thousands of pieces.

Jigsaw puzzles are not only great for mental exercise– they have physical benefits too. They have been shown to be great for fighting stress and anxiety by reducing breathing rates and lowering blood pressure.

Puzzles refer to more than jigsaw puzzles, however. Crossword puzzles, word searches, and sudoku puzzles all fall into the puzzle category. All three are ideal for those who want to improve their memory and cognitive skills. Find them in the newspaper or look online for puzzles that are specifically designed for seniors.

Board games

Board games offer seniors a wide array of options. Games like chess and checkers require strategic thinking. They can be played in person or online with family members. Seniors can even play chess or checkers against a computer. A wide variety of versions can be found in your app store.

Traditional board games like Clue or Sorry also help improve memory skills. If you want to get a group of friends or family members involved, look for cooperative board games that are specifically designed for seniors. They are a great way to get social while still benefiting from a mental workout.

Card games provide seniors with similar benefits. Games like bridge and go-fish help memory skills while also promoting social interaction. Solitaire is all about strategy, and as the name implies, it can be played by yourself.

Trivia Games

Trivia is fun for anyone with a curious mind, but it is especially helpful for seniors. It helps with memory recall by asking players to remember past events or facts they have learned. There are all sorts of trivia games available on a variety of topics. You can find games on TV shows, movies, religions, and more.

Trivia can be as social as you’d like it to be. If you want to enjoy conversation with old and new friends, you can attend a trivia night at a local coffee shop or bar. If you’d rather enjoy your trivia on your own, you can play online.

For an extra challenge, you can make your own trivia game by coming up with questions about your life experiences. This is a great way to share stories with family members while also getting a mental workout during a gathering.

Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts engage a different portion of the brain than many of the above brain activities for seniors. Creative thinking encourages you to engage the mind and think outside the box. This can lead to a better outlook on life and improved mental health.

Like puzzles, arts and crafts come in all shapes and sizes. They can be as simple or as complicated as you want them to be and as inexpensive as you need them to be. Like puzzles and board games, they can be enjoyed both alone or with others.

Some popular arts and crafts for seniors include knitting, needlepoint, woodworking, painting, and drawing. If you’re not sure where to start with arts and crafts, try looking online for step-by-step tutorials. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can branch out and explore different mediums and techniques. You may find that you have a hidden talent for arts and crafts!

Start reading

If you’ve never been a big reader, it isn’t too late to start. Books provide excellent mental stimulation for seniors. They can take you on adventures, introduce you to new cultures, and teach you new things– all from the comfort of your own home.

There are all sorts of books available for seniors, from classic novels to how-to manuals. If you’re not sure what to pick up first, try looking for books that are specifically designed for seniors. These books often have larger print and fewer words on each page to make them easier to read. You can even pick up books on an eReader, such as a Kindle.

If reading is difficult for you, there are other options available too. Audiobooks provide a similar level of stimulation and can be enjoyed on any smart device. You could put on a book while performing other activities around the home.

At-home caregivers can help keep your mind active

There’s no need to feel alone or isolated when trying to keep your mind active. There are plenty of resources available to help you find the perfect brain games for seniors.

It can feel like half of the battle of keeping your mind active as you age is figuring out activities that work for you. Luckily, if you have an at-home caregiver, they can help. Home caregivers work with you to curate activities that help maintain and improve cognitive skills.

Home caregivers can also help with things around the house that may be difficult for seniors. This includes things like cooking, cleaning, and transportation. Having someone to help with these tasks can free up time for seniors to focus on brain activities they enjoy.

At Home Care Powered by AUAF, our staff will work with you to create a plan of care that best fits you, your life, and your needs. For more information on our services, call us at (623) 526-6367.

About Us

You have come to the right place if you are looking for in-home care for elderly loved ones or yourself in the Phoenix area. Our team of experts provides quality services to senior citizens in the comfort of their own homes. We understand that each individual is unique. We have a vast team of experts carefully detailing every care plan with years of experience-backed care knowledge.

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