As America’s population ages, education programs for seniors are becoming more and more important. Among other things, these programs may offer advice on how to stay mentally sharp as you grow older. One potential option is to support your mental well-being with brain exercises for seniors. These exercises are not a magic cure for the aging process. They’re also not a proven method of avoiding dementia. Nevertheless, they can play a helpful part in your overall wellness efforts.
The Role of Cognitive Exercises for Seniors in Maintaining Brain Health
Cognitive exercises for seniors, or brain exercises, are intended to support your higher-level mental abilities. These abilities include things such as:
- Making and recalling memories
- Focusing your attention
- Thinking logically
- Exercising judgment and making decisions
- Solving problems
- Controlling your impulses
- Regulating your emotions
As you grow older, you may naturally lose a bit of cognitive function. But by leading a generally healthy lifestyle, you increase your chances of retaining as much function as possible. Brain exercises can definitely help you fulfill this goal. However, you’ll also need to do a variety of other things. That includes exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting plenty of sleep.
Brain Exercises for Seniors – Three Top Options
#1: Mental Exercises for Seniors – Play a Variety of Games
Research shows that the best brain exercises have certain characteristics. First, they actively make your mind work. In addition, they challenge your mind. You can meet both of these objectives by playing cards or board games. But the key is variety. If you play the same games over and over, your brain doesn’t have to work as hard. Try to switch things up often so the level of challenge stays high.
#2: Crossword Puzzles as Cognitive Exercises for Seniors
Crossword puzzles can make excellent brain exercises for seniors. These puzzles not only require you to read clues and come up with suitable answers. They also require you to engage in multiple higher-level mental skills. These skills include focusing your attention and using your working memory. They also include making judgments and decisions.
One of the great things about crossword puzzles is their large range of potential difficulty. You can start with smaller puzzles that don’t come with any tricky or obscure clues. As your solving skills increase, you can move on to bigger and harder puzzles. You can even try to solve your puzzles without using dictionaries or other outside resources.
#3: Cognitive Training Courses as Mental Exercises for Seniors
Some educational programs for seniors may offer cognitive training courses. These courses typically use a variety of methods to help you stay mentally sharp. Research shows that they may have long-term benefits. Examples of these potential benefits include:
- A slowdown in normal, age-related cognitive decline
- Maintenance of your ability to perform everyday mental tasks
- Increased odds of preserving an independent lifestyle
There is also some evidence that cognitive training may also help limit your dementia risks. However, no one can guarantee that you will receive this kind of benefit.
Get More Information on Brain Exercises for Seniors at Parkway Place
Want to learn more about how brain exercises can help you stay mentally fit as you age? Talk to the senior living specialists at Parkway Place. We understand the vital importance of enduring brain health. We also understand how to help you stay as fit as possible.
Parkway Place offers a wealth of brain-boosting resources for seniors. These resources include everything from educational and recreational programs to health-supporting meals. For more information on our full slate of available options, just call us today at 281.305.1846. You can also reach us through our convenient online form.