It’s likely that you have thought about ways to keep yourself sharp as you age, regardless of whether you fear dementia or just notice a decline in memory. The truth is that you can stimulate your brain in numerous ways in order to ward off cognitive decline.
Older adults can take up a number of activities that will increase their intellectual capacity and help to keep their minds healthy. At the end of the day, you should engage in behavior that enhances your intellectual well-being.
But where and how can you begin? And what exactly does that look like? Fortunately, we’ve got you covered.
Keep reading to learn about five fun ways to maintain your mind’s neuroplasticity and make the most of each day at your senior living community. You can do any of the following activities relatively easily, meaning you can stay independent while strengthening your mind, body and soul.
5 Tips for Promoting Intellectual Wellness for Active Older Adults
Promoting physical and mental wellness is critical for active older adults. In addition to regular exercise, retirees should participate in recreational activities to enhance their social, intellectual and emotional health. A senior living community’s amenities and services can help you achieve health-related goals by offering a wide variety of things to do.
Here are some of our favorite activities that increase cognitive stimulation and lead to greater intellectual health for older adults.
- Be Creative.
Engaging in meaningful creative tasks, like writing, helps promote intellectual wellness in the elderly. Moreover, this type of activity can keep the mind active and alert. Writing helps lower anxiety and chronic stress. In addition, it provides a creative outlet, which can help your loved one’s knowledge base grow. It can also increase their self-esteem and confidence.
- Spend Time in Nature.
The benefits of spending time outdoors can be felt by almost everyone. Science demonstrates that taking a walk in the woods or sitting quietly by yourself on a bench is time well spent. If you love the outdoors, try birdwatching, fishing, plein air painting, or take up cycling again. You’ll benefit from an active lifestyle by getting daily exercise and plenty of vitamin D.
- Take Part in Lifelong Learning.
Active older adults can improve their cognitive abilities by participating in educational activities. Playing challenging games and solving puzzles is a great way to engage the mind and keep it healthy. The continuous thinking involved in these games can enhance the active older adults’ intellectual wellness. You might learn to play an instrument or register for one of the classes on-site. This is also a great way to increase your social interaction.
- Get More Omega-3s.
Studies suggest your body absorbs the nutrients better from eating fish instead of taking fish oil supplements, but many retirees take supplements to get the recommended dosage. You can get omega-3 fatty acids from fish such as salmon, sardines or trout, which can greatly improve your mental health. Omega-3 fatty acids support your brain health in an important way, staving off memory loss and associated depression.
- Keep Your Mind Active.
Reading is an excellent form of mental exercise and it helps maintain emotional wellness as well. It can improve an active older adult’s connections to others and their quality of life. Visit the community libraries or join a book club to learn more about whatever interests you. Dig into the crossword puzzle in your local or national newspaper or enjoy sudoku.
You Can Get All This and More at The Estates
At The Estates at Carpenter’s, we offer everything you need to meet all your wellness needs, beginning with our Lifecare agreement. This offers a full spectrum of care options and gives you access to The Estates’ numerous amenities. You can dine in good company, make new friends at community events or get your daily recommended exercise in our fitness center. We’re even pet friendly! Come explore everything else we have to share!
How We Care for You
The Estates at Carpenters is a not-for-profit CCRC specializing in living independently, assisted living, skilled nursing care or rehabilitation. We offer a unique advantage to Lakeland and surrounding Winter Haven, Florida, area retirees. Come visit our community near the renowned Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center.