It’s natural to notice many changes in our bodies and minds as we age. Even for those who are lucky enough to stay in good health, there are going to be movements that don’t feel the same as they used to, and memory slips will begin to happen more and more. Some seniors are able to accept these changes. They are grateful for the opportunity to grow older, and they approach these inevitable shifts with grace and humor.
However, for many others, these changes are met with grief, dismay and denial. It can be difficult to accept a transition into a new stage of life, and it’s very normal to grieve activities that used to be easy, and now are no longer possible. Unfortunately, it is precisely for this reason why so many seniors struggle with their mental health. People who were once vibrant and engaged can become withdrawn, depressed and disinterested in daily activities. This is why it’s so important to be proactive with your parents’ health, especially if you notice a decline in their physical or mental fitness. There are still so many activities that seniors can do to facilitate a happy and joyful life, the following are just a few ideas.
Exercise
It is well known that regular exercise is one of the best things we can do for our health, and that is especially true for aging individuals who may be more susceptible to illness. As the National Council on Aging points out, apart from simply making us feel good, exercise has also been shown to lower the risk of conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, can improve general immunity, and also helps to restore bone density, something that’s particularly important, as bone loss is a natural side effect of aging. Plus, exercise can help build up a community, and it can be great mental stimulation for seniors to watch themselves reach their fitness goals. You might help your parents find classes at a local recreation center, or perhaps meet them for a walk. There are so many different ways to get daily exercise, and part of the fun can be helping them find the right fit for their lifestyle and needs.
Nature
If you are looking for an easy way to keep your mom and dad mentally sharp, then look no further than your front yard! For years, there has been growing research on how beneficial nature can be for our mental wellness. An article featured on American Psychological Association cited a review that looked at the effects nature had on childrens’ self control and cognitive development, and found that children that had more access to outdoor spaces scored better in those areas. It has also been shown that exposure to nature relieves stress, improves memor and attention and increases cognitive flexibility, which is the ability to switch between tasks and focus your attention on multiple concepts simultaneously. Not only do these benefits make the idea of taking your mom and dad out into nature a no-brainer, but spending time in nature is something you can often do for free. Simply spending time in your local park or beside a water source can bring about some of these benefits, plus, it’s a great way to get to know a new neighborhood.
Chess
While getting outside and exercising are two excellent ways to keep your parents engaged, there are other incredibly effective ways to improve their cognitive function without having to leave the house. The first one on the list is chess. Chess, a game that has been played all over the world for more than one thousand years, and it’s a great activity for the brain.
According to Healthline, chess can help improve the memory of players, particularly auditory memory, the kind that’s required to recall something you have learned through hearing. Chess also helps players quickly recognize visual patterns, and can increase creativity and planning skills. Interestingly, one case study even showed the possibility that playing chess online could help ward off panic attacks!
Perhaps one of the most promising reviews mentioned on Healthline, was one that suggested that chess could help with memory loss and postpone dementia symptoms. While there aren’t any guarantees, chess is definitely something that is mentally stimulating for anyone who plays it, and if it can also help prevent cognitive decline, then that’s just a bonus.
Number Puzzles
In a study of over 1900 volunteers between the ages of 50-93, participants who reported doing more than one number puzzle a day scored higher than all other frequency groups. While these findings don’t mean that doing number puzzles means a senior won’t experience memory loss or a more serious condition like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, they could possibly improve mental ability and help keep the brain sharp for longer. Part of doing number puzzles, like Sudoku, is also about establishing routine. It’s helpful for seniors to have structure to their day, and a number puzzle could be something they look forward to doing every day with their morning tea or coffee.
Other Brain Activities
Chess and number puzzles aren’t the only games that can be helpful for mental clarity and engagement. Activities such as regular or 3D puzzles, card memory games such as Pairs, and crossword puzzles, are all great ways to keep mom and dad’s brains sharp. And something that’s wonderful about all of these activities (along with the mental benefits) are that these are all really enjoyable things to do with each other or with other members of their community, which, coincidentally, is also very important for good mental health and focus. You can buy many brain games for good prices at second hand stores, and bookshops often sell crossword books that can keep someone occupied for several weeks, making brain games a very affordable way to keep your parents engaged.
Gardening
Gardening is a great way to add structure and enjoyment to your parents’ lives, while also checking off the boxes of exercise and time spent in nature. Gardening can be a calming and meditative activity, but it’s also hard work, and can quickly cover the 30 minutes of moderate activity that’s recommended each day through motions such as raking, digging and watering. Gardening can also provide seniors with a sense of purpose and satisfaction through the growing of their own flowers and produce. And, if all goes well, everyone gets to benefit from delicious fresh food!
Pets
In a survey of adults over the age of 50, it was found that pets resulted in less stress, a better sense of purpose, and more social connection. That’s a pretty powerful trio! Now of course, you should never get a pet for your parents as a surprise or a gift, unless it’s something that has been extensively discussed. While pets can be a wonderful addition to a senior’s life, for others, pet ownership may present unnecessary burdens, either due to physical limitations, allergies, aversions or financial stress. However, if your parents are physically and mentally capable of providing for a pet, and it’s something that they welcome, then this might be a great way to help them stay mentally engaged and healthy. The American Heart Association says that companionship provided by animals can help lower anxiety levels and combat loneliness. Certains pets, like a dog, can also help a person get more exercise, as they require regular walks and outings.It’s even been shown that dogs can help lower the chance of heart disease, which explains why the American Heart Association recommends the support a loving pet can provide.
Even if your parents aren’t in a place to be able to care for a pet, there are still ways to reap the benefits of animals. You might set up your parents as volunteers at an animal shelter, or ask them to take care of your dog while you’re out of town. You might also look into visiting a hobby farm, where you might get the chance to interact with animals such as pigs, donkeys and goats.
Technology
While the latest technology might be intuitive for you, it can be a lot harder for those who didn’t grow up with cell phones in their pockets. For many seniors, our increasingly online world can lead to isolation, as they struggle to understand apps and websites. While it might sometimes feel frustrating to have to explain how to open an email to your parents for the hundredth time, it’s important to be patient. Teaching them how to access basic systems like email, text messages and video calls can open up the world for your parents, and give them access to a wider community. You might even help them access resources for subjects they are interested in. Again, while it might seem obvious to you, they might not be aware that they can access entire courses, articles and videos online on subjects they enjoy, so helping them out might drastically improve their mental health. It might even be helpful to set up shortcuts on their phones or computers, or adjust settings such as font size, so it’s easier for them to navigate their way through various sites.
To help them remember how to operate these systems, you might start up a daily correspondence with them, or encourage your children to do so as a nice way of staying in touch. You could also write them down a list of instructions for them to keep near their phone or computer to help them access resources if you’re not nearby.
Learn an Instrument
Not only is learning an instrument a satisfying challenge, but it is also very good for our brains. According to Dr. John Dani of Penn Medicine, playing an instrument engages every single part of our nervous systems. Not only are you using your fine motor skills, but you’re also using the part of your brain that plans and makes decisions, which, along with the complete sensory input that is derived from playing music, makes playing an instrument a full brain workout!
Learning an instrument as a senior can lead to lowered stress, as well as improved cognitive function, plus it’s a great skill to be able to show off at parties!
For some, a barrier to learning an instrument might be the cost, but there are always options. Check in with your local library or senior’s center to see if they have any recommendations for low-cost rentals or classes. There are also lots of apps and online videos that offer music lessons for free. And you might be surprised at how many people give away instruments on sites like Craigslist and Facebook. Sure, it might not be the best instrument you’ve ever heard, but this is something your parents will use to bring them joy and boost their mental clarity, not to play at Carnegie Hall.
Craft
Crafting is a great way to improve mental health and keep your parents engaged. While many people might immediately think of macaroni picture frames, there are so many crafts that can delight people of all ages. You might suggest a painting project or building a birdhouse, or even refurbishing a small piece of furniture like a bedside table together. You could help your parents put together a crafting cupboard or table in their own house, so they can get creative any time they feel like it. A craft corner might include paints, stationary, pipe cleaners, labels, shells and blank picture frames.
Clubs
As mentioned previously, one of the best ways to keep someone’s mental health in check, and to promote mental clarity, is by having a strong community. This becomes difficult for many seniors as they age and lose some of their peers. This is why finding your parents some clubs to participate in is so important, as it can connect them to other like-minded individuals. Not only will doing a new activity stimulate them mentally, but building relationships will lower stress levels and can elevate symptoms of depression, anxiety and grief.
Baking
The last item on our list today is to bake with your parents. Baking can be a complex task, as it requires you to follow a precise series of steps in order to produce the desired product, so it requires a lot of mental focus. However, it’s also a relatively low-stakes and enjoyable activity your mom and dad can enjoy alone or as a fun activity to do together. And of course, it’s always nice to get a tasty treat at the end of it.
Hopefully the above activities have given you some helpful ways to help your parents strengthen their cognitive function and remain active and engaged members of society. Of course, not everything on this list will be a hit with your parents, so make sure you keep communication lines open to find out what they respond well to, and be open to other ideas outside of this list. Anything they enjoy that’s going to get them moving and thinking is a win.
