As the years pass, there is a lot of focus on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, but the truth is that memory changes of all kinds are typically normal. For family members caring for loved ones, it can become important to set seniors’ minds at ease that what they’re experiencing is normal and help them do all they can to improve their memory. Home care providers help with this.
The tips and tricks offered below can be more consistent.
Consistent Mental Engagement Is Key
Mental exercises can strengthen the brain in the same way that physical activity enhances the body.
Loved ones can promote mental-challenging activities like the following:
- Brain teasers and puzzles: Sudoku, memory games, and crossword puzzles can be entertaining as well as helpful.
- Learning new skills: Enjoying a new hobby, like knitting, drawing, or even learning to play an instrument, can help develop new neural pathways in the brain.
- Reading and writing: Reading books, periodicals, or journals regularly, as well as writing letters or maintaining a journal, can improve cognitive performance.
Maintain Social Networks
With home care assistance by their side, seniors have built-in socialization, but they also need stimulation from peers as well. These vital interactions help lower stress, which is known to impair memory and improve their overall well-being. Whether it’s visits from friends and family in the home or joining groups outside the home, it’s important to encourage seniors to remain active. Another good idea for seniors is to volunteer, which allows them to socialize and learn new skills at the same time.
Focus on a Healthy Diet
Diet is at the core of health and well-being, and that doesn’t change as the years pass by. For seniors who want to do all they can to preserve their memory, they should focus on a diet high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and vegetables, all of which promote cognitive function. Additionally, they should be encouraged to stay hydrated, as even a small amount of dehydration might affect how well their brain works.
Exercise
Exercise has positive effects on the brain in addition to the body. Frequent exercise can help with memory by improving blood flow to the brain. Even seniors with limited mobility can enjoy a certain amount of exercise with home care by their side. Some ideas include chair yoga, taking small walks around their property—or further if they’re able—and stretching daily.
Embrace Mindfulness
As mentioned above, stress can be detrimental to memory. With this in mind, seniors need to learn positive ways to manage their stress. This could include practicing deep breathing or meditation. For both, seniors can find apps and videos to follow to ensure they’re following the right technique. Also,
progressive muscle relaxation is a great method to use at the end of the day. With home care, seniors can be taught to move through each muscle group, tightening and then relaxing their muscles for optimum relaxation.
Seniors can enhance their memory by incorporating a few of these tips into their day-to-day lives. Doing so can help relieve their anxiety about memory issues and allow them to relax and enjoy themselves. Working together, home care and loved ones can remind them to use these tips when needed for even more improvement.
Sources: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/memory-loss-and-forgetfulness/memory-problems-forgetfulness
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/memory-loss/art-20046518
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/9-brain-boosters-to-prevent-memory-loss
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Fayette County PA, please contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care Pittsburgh today. Call 412-241-7292
Extended Family Care Pittsburgh is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania including Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Mercer County, Washington County, North Hills, South Hills, Fox Chapel, Monroeville, Murrysville, Oakland, Plum Boro, and Squirrel Hill.
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