As you age, it’s normal to feel like you can’t remember as well, or it takes you longer to process information. Luckily, there are steps you can take to improve your cognitive function, including trying brain exercises for seniors. Several options are available online, but not all are scientifically proven. They can also be expensive. To help keep you cognitively healthy, our team of passionate professionals has compiled a list of the best free brain exercises seniors can do at home.
A Cognitive Connection is passionate about helping you understand the “why” behind your behaviors. From cognitive brain training to behavioral counseling, we offer a plethora of services to help improve the brain functions of you and your loved ones. We operate with compassion and care to help you reach your behavioral goals, whatever they may be, throughout your life.
Do Cognitive Exercises for Seniors Actually Work?
The short answer is yes. Brain training exercises have helped seniors improve memory and processing speeds in several studies. Exercises used ranged from playing Tetris to practicing music. Brain training exercises for seniors should be one part of an overall wellness plan, along with staying active and eating well.
Brain training games are effective because they promote neuroplasticity and help your brain adapt and create new cognitive pathways as you age. If you opt for an online brain training game, make sure it is backed by scientific evidence, or try one of the at-home options listed below.
7 Mental Exercises For The Elderly
Physical and mental exercise is one of the most important aspects of being healthy. Just as you would go to the gym to improve your physical health, it’s essential to exercise your mind to improve your cognitive health. As you become older, it’s important to continue these cognitive exercises to ensure you’re taking proper care of your brain. Some exercises you can do to help boost your memory and other cognitive abilities include:
1. Puzzles
Puzzles are a great way to exercise your mind while having fun. Whether attempting the crossword puzzle in the newspaper or playing Sudoku, it’s essential to integrate puzzles into your routine. Try to set yourself a goal of completing at least one puzzle weekly.
2. Arts and Crafts
Creating something with your hands is another wonderful way to keep your brain healthy and strong. Art-focused activities have been shown to help significantly boost mental capabilities. Studies have shown that seniors’ likelihood of developing memory loss decreases by 30 to 50 percent when they participate in crafts. As a senior, enjoying your favorite hobbies and participating in your favorite arts is important to ensure your mental capabilities stay sharp!
3. Music
When we’re older and have retired, we find ourselves with much more free time on our hands. A great way to spend this time is by learning to play a new instrument.
Learning to play an instrument is not only a great way to fight off depression and anxiety, but it also triggers your brain’s reward system when you learn a new piece of music. If you’re not interested in learning how to play a new instrument, you can sing instead. Singing has been shown to also improve the brain’s cognitive abilities.
4. Gardening
Gardening is a popular hobby among seniors. It’s an activity that helps keep you active and helps you get some sun exposure. Spending too much time indoors can lead to feelings of loneliness and sadness.
Gardening is a great way to exercise your brain, as it requires you to think constantly. From planning what supplies you need to creating a watering schedule, gardening is a wonderful way to improve your brain power.
5. Cooking
Cooking is an activity that utilizes all five senses, which are all located in different areas of the brain. Not only is cooking a great way to increase your cognitive skills, but it’s also one of the best ways to establish your independence, especially if you live in a retirement home or can no longer drive.
6. Writing
If you want to stimulate your brain, one way to do so is to write. It doesn’t matter whether you write letters to your family or in a journal; writing is a brain exercise that will help improve your memory and other mental capabilities. It can even be as simple as writing a grocery list, as long as you’re writing and putting pen to paper.
7. Physical Activities
As we age, it’s important we stay active and promote a healthy flow of blood and oxygen. A healthy flow of blood and oxygen equals a healthy brain. Make sure to choose an activity that you’ll enjoy and stick with, don’t choose something that might be too hard for you or that you might quit after a week.
A Cognitive Connection’s Brain Exercises Help Increase Senior’s Health
The older we get, the quicker our cognitive abilities begin to diminish. In order to promote healthy brains as we age, it’s crucial to integrate brain exercises into our routines. There are probably some cognitive exercises you already have in your routine that you didn’t realize were brain exercises, such as cooking. With our team of passionate professionals on your side, we’ll help you learn new ways to integrate brain exercises into your life and increase your mental capabilities. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you improve the health of your brain, please contact our team today!
