Best Brain Exercises for Seniors to Boost Memory
Dementia, an umbrella term for symptoms characterized by impaired brain functions (e.g., loss of memory and decline in reasoning or judgment), is common in the senior population. The U.S. CDC says this brain-related, neurological condition affects an estimated 6.9 million Americans 65+. However, it's not inevitable; many seniors live the rest of their lives without developing it.
Indeed, you or your older loved one in Sun City Center, FL, has many ways to reduce the risks of brain-related health woes and cognitive decline.
One such strategy is engaging in brain exercises for seniors. Think playing the right games, doing arts and crafts, engaging in physical activity, and spending time in the beautiful outdoors of our Tampa suburban town.
So, please join our senior living community's caring team at Aston Gardens At Sun City Center, as we share brain health tips and insights into the top activities to prevent memory loss in older adults.
Playing the Right Games
Playing games can be an incredible source of entertainment, even brain engagement and cognitive stimulation, while also helping seniors bust stress. The best part is that many scientific experts and studies back this up.
Some of the most rousing, enjoyable memory games for seniors are:
- Board and card games
- Puzzle and memorization games
- Computer or video games
Let's explore these brain exercises for seniors in more detail.
Board and Card Games
Board games, like Mahjong, and traditional games using playing cards, are highly entertaining and recreational for people of all ages, including seniors. They're affordable and don't require regular or ongoing fees (unlike hi-tech, mobile, and computer games). Once you have a set, you can enjoy playing for many years.
Board and card games are also excellent social and cognitive activities for older adults. For instance, a study published in the National Library of Medicine says that Mahjong and card games benefit players by:
- Improving socialization and enhancing social engagement
- Bringing a cognitively stimulating effect
- Being a potential method for cognitive remediation
Bingo is another excellent option for providing mental stimulation for seniors. It engages several skills and functions, from listening to concentrating, recalling, and coordinating the eyes and hands. StudyFinds.org also noted a study associating social activities, like playing bingo, with a lower risk of developing dementia.
Puzzle and Memorization Games
Puzzle and memorization games can also be effective, enjoyable brain exercises for seniors because they help stimulate the hippocampus, the brain section that deals with memory formation. In this way, they could potentially improve short-term and long-term memory. They can also enhance cognitive function by encouraging players to engage their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Some examples of fun puzzle and memorization games for seniors are:
- Crossword puzzles and other word games
- Memory card games
- Trivia quizzes
- Math puzzles
Puzzle and memorization games can also help improve mood, especially after players conquer them. If done in group settings, they can even be a crucial source for socialization. Hence, they can serve as invaluable tools for seniors with depression or those who feel lonely or have experienced isolation.
Video Games
Such games require players to shell out a bigger initial investment (for the device and the game itself). However, many scientific authors have found evidence of their potential cognitive benefits.
For example, a study published in BMC found an association between computer gaming and a decreased risk of dementia. It also noted a link between these games, better brain structure, and favorable cognitive function. Therefore, the authors concluded that computer gaming could be a promising method for preventing dementia.
Doing Arts and Crafts
Engaging in arts and crafts is another enjoyable brain exercise that engages various cognitive functions. Depending on the activity, it may require a person to use the following skills:
- Attention
- Memory
- Creativity
- Problem-solving
Furthermore, producing art and creating crafts can be a form of therapy, especially for people with mental health conditions. Such activities may help improve mood, alleviate stress, and provide an outlet for creative expression.
Engaging in Physical Activity
Physical activity is one of the most beneficial things everyone, including seniors, can do for their bodies and brains. It benefits the heart, muscles, and bones, especially if done regularly.
The U.S. CDC also notes that cognitive, emotional, and mental health can benefit because regular physical activity can:
- Help with learning, thinking, problem-solving, and emotional balance
- Enhance memory
- Minimize anxiety and depression
- Lower the risk of cognitive decline (e.g., dementia)
- Promote better sleep
People who exercise regularly may also feel better because such activities trigger the release of happy hormones, including dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. They're chemical messengers that can reduce stress, boost mood, and elevate feelings of well-being.
Spending Time Outdoors
Spending time in the beautiful outdoors of Sun City Center, FL, and the natural splendors that surround it, is another excellent brain exercise. According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, nature exposure brings many benefits, from mental restoration to a decreased risk of psychiatric disorders and chronic diseases.
Some areas of particular interest are:
- Valencia Lakes
- Window in the Woods
- Kings Point Heritage Park
- Little Manatee River State Park
- Bullfrog Creek Wildlife & Environmental Area
Our independent senior living community, Aston Gardens At Sun City Center, is close to those green and blue spaces. We're also proud to have several on-site amenities that give our residents easy, everyday access to nature and the outdoors. We have beautifully landscaped, well-maintained grounds, a year-round heated pool with a sun deck, and a putting green, to name a few.
Try These Brain Exercises for Seniors Today
Playing games, making arts and crafts, exercising, and spending time in nature are all excellent brain exercises for seniors. They can help with various cognitive functions and skills, from memory to problem-solving and decision-making.
At Aston Gardens At Sun City Center, we offer residents of our independent living community in Sun City Center, FL, daily engaging and enriching activities and events that stimulate the brain, strengthen the body, and nourish the soul. We also have many on-site amenities for comfort and convenience. So, if you've been looking for a retirement village that fosters and prioritizes senior health and well-being, we invite you to book a tour and explore our community.
Call us today to schedule your visit, and remember to ask about our Be Our Guest Program!