As we become older, keeping our minds clear and agile becomes increasingly important. While crossword puzzles and Sudoku are popular activities, other tactics can keep the brain working on all cylinders far into later years. Seniors with companion care at home providers can try out some of the unexpected brain boosters below to see which ones work best for them or even come up with new activities that hit the mark.
Use the Non-Dominant Hand: One of the simplest methods to exercise the brain is to perform daily tasks with the non-dominant hand. Brushing teeth, stirring coffee, or even writing may feel strange at first, but this switch activates underutilized portions of the brain, building neural networks and improving coordination.
Create a Reverse Bucket List: Instead of focusing on future goals, seniors should make a list of everything they’ve accomplished, no matter how big or small. This not only promotes happy memories and contemplation but also encourages storytelling, journaling, and social sharing, all of which improve cognitive engagement and emotional well-being.
Learning a Useless Skill (On Purpose): Not all learning has to be practical. Attempting to solve a Rubik’s Cube, learning to whistle with their fingers, or memorizing constellations may appear frivolous, but these activities demand concentration, pattern recognition, and hand-eye coordination. Additionally, trying something new keeps the brain adaptive and curious.
Socialize with Someone at Least 20 Years Younger: Intergenerational connections push people to think differently and adapt to varied communication patterns. Whether it’s volunteering at a school, FaceTiming with a teen in the family, or joining an online gaming group, socializing with younger minds can expose seniors to new ideas, lingo, and even technologies—all of which are fantastic sources of cerebral stimulation. Companion care at home often fits into this category as well, which is one of many reasons why having this resource by their side is key.
Cook Something From a Different Culture: Cooking activates various aspects of the brain—planning, numeracy, and sensory processing—and using unexpected ingredients or techniques enhances its effectiveness. Companion care at home can help seniors choose a random country, explore its culinary customs, and cook a meal to further their experience.
Play Strategy-Based Board Games with a Twist: Dust off the chessboard or Scrabble set, but add a twist, such as playing in a foreign language, limiting the number of moves, or switching partners mid-game. These twists discourage autopilot gaming while encouraging adaptive thinking and rule memory.
Try Silent Mornings: Spending the first hour of the day in silence—without TV, phone, or talking—helps to promote mindfulness, eliminate mental fog, and improve attention. This technique stimulates reflection, deeper thought processes, and planning, all of which improve executive function.
Rearrange the Furniture Quarterly: This might not be a possibility for all seniors, but changing the environment requires spatial awareness and memory recalibration. Navigating their “new” location also tests their balance and coordination, which are essential for preventing falls and improving brain-body harmony.
Keeping the mind sharp does not have to feel like homework. The more fun, diverse, and intriguing the activity, the better. Seniors should treat their brains like a garden: it requires sunlight, movement, novelty, and care to thrive. Companion care at home can help them with this, ensuring they continue to boost their brains in out-of-the-box ways.
Sources: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/12-ways-to-keep-your-brain-young#:~:text=Any%20mentally%20stimulating%20activity%20should,%2C%20painting%2C%20and%20other%20crafts.
https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/5-proven-tips-for-keeping-your-brain-active-engaged-and/360448
https://www.everydayhealth.com/longevity/mental-fitness/brain-exercises-for-memory.aspx
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home Services in Fox Chapel, 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.
- Unexpected Brain Boosters for Seniors - May 23, 2025
- Celebrating Our Team – May Highlights - May 21, 2025
- Why All Seniors Need To Wear Sunscreen Daily - May 8, 2025
