Exercises to Keep a Senior’s Brain Strong

When seniors perform what one of my teachers called “mental gymnastics” the benefits go beyond better brain health. Regular exercises to strengthen the gray matter provide enjoyment, relaxation, and socialization. Home Care Baltimore has listed down some great exercises below;

Exercise Body & Mind

Seniors need to move as much as possible. With the input of their healthcare provider, an older person can create a workout that benefits body and mind. Aerobic exercise and weight lifting have proven equally beneficial to the brain. As an added perk, UK researchers found that moderate exercise like a 15-minute walk reduces cravings for alcohol, sweets, and tobacco.

Fun & Games & Cognition

If exercising your mind causes visions of some tedious routine, relax. Fun and games are part of the regimen for keeping the mind agile.

Change Hands

Your brain likes new challenges. If you are right-handed, try learning to do things with your left hand. Naturally, southpaws will attempt to go right.

Figure It Out

Solving fundamental arithmetic problems improves cognition and has practical everyday applications. Seniors might try learning a new branch of mathematics by taking classes or purchasing math workbooks from a bookseller. When grocery shopping, try mentally adding up the cost of the items in your cart and see how close you come to the cashier’s total.

Knit One Pearl Two

Knitting both relaxes and fires up the brain. Making something from yarn involves using most of the senses along with mathematical and spatial skills. Knitting promotes manual agility and flexibility.

Play The List Game

Either alone or as part of a group choose a category. The category can cover anything; for our example, we’ll use auto builders. You write down all of the car brands you or the group can remember. The object is to recall as much of the list as possible.

Sing A Song

Using neuroimaging, researchers found that music in increases activity in five areas of the brain. As an added bonus, music elevates mood and improves self-esteem. To take advantage of the brain-boosting power of music, seniors can memorize the lyrics of their favorite songs or learn an instrument.

Stir The Pot

Cooking nourishes the body and mind. Break out the cookbooks and learn a new recipe. Preparing a meal has a one-stone two birds effect. To preserve cognitive skills, seniors need to socialize. Take a team approach to cooking or invite others to share the meal.

Take Pen In Hand

Writing keeps the brain busy. There are thoughts to organize, spellings to remember or look up, and the choice of proper punctuation. Using paper and pen or pencil helps seniors maintain fine motor skills. Practice writing by keeping a journal, composing personal letters, and drafting stories.

Use Electronics

Honing your computer skills is a way to stay current and flex your mental muscles. Use electronic devices for personal communications. Baltimore Home Care wants you to search the app store for useful applications and games. Memory games are available online.