Five Ways to Help Seniors Keep Their Minds Sharp

To help seniors keep their minds active, caregivers can encourage them to:

1. Learn something new. It’s never too late to take up a new hobby, visit a new park or theater or learn to play an instrument.
2. Stay connected. Seniors should meet with friends and family in their homes and outside the home if possible. According to ConnectedLiving, learning to use social media may increase seniors’ socialization, decrease depression and provide learning opportunities.
3. Exercise. With a doctor’s approval, seniors can continue to enjoy physical activities. SilverSneakers and other health programs are targeted to seniors.
4. Play! Provide jig-saw puzzles, Sudoku games or crossword puzzles to challenge the mind. Seniors don’t have to be tech-savvy to enjoy computer games like Word with Friends and Candy Crush. AARP recently posted a five-part blog series on the benefits of online gaming for those 50 and up.
5. Eat right. Maintaining a healthy diet is good for the body and mind. The Alzheimer’s Association offers these tips for adopting a healthy diet.