Try one of the following to increase your mental strength.
Dance the Night Away!
Or the morning or afternoon for that matter! Dancing is enjoyable and even with two left feet the benefits of dancing are well worth the effort. Little energy is needed to do the Jitterbug, Funky Chicken or line dancing. Simply be willing to get up and move! Studies show dancing significantly improves muscular strength, endurance, balance and lowers the risk of dementia.
Yoga: Not Only for the Youngsters
Stereotypes exist about atypical yoga practitioner. While descriptions of young agile and slender adults applies to some, yoga is becoming more popular among all types, especially Seniors. Yoga helps to relieve stress, stretches and helps elongate shortened muscles and increases the fluid between bones and joints. Balance is improved with yoga as confidence increases in the ability to move around without fear of falling. Many yoga classes geared for Seniors use chairs or walls to provide stability.
Crossword Puzzles and Memory
Relieve concerns about memory loss by doing crossword puzzles. Studies show crossword puzzles help slow the rate of decline in people with dementia. For those without memory impairment, working crossword puzzles keeps minds remain sharp when done regularly. The mental stimulation of word and number puzzles aids brain cell growth. Crossword puzzles come in all sizes and skill levels. You may work on them alone or with others. Whether you are waiting at the doctor’s office, sitting at a coffee shop or enjoying a day at the park, take your crossword puzzles along and enjoy a little mind stimulation.
Happiness Is a Meaningful Volunteer Position
When volunteering you benefit both yourself and others. Volunteering takes many forms; tutoring one on one or volunteering in a classroom; cuddling babies at a local hospital; helping at a food shelf or soup kitchen and sharing your talents or skills with a non-profit. Health benefits are many. Volunteer to keep spirits up, stay in good shape and increase endorphins for a happier sense of being.
Arts, Crafts and Quality of Life
Many older people now have time to start artsy hobbies they wanted to do when younger but could never find the time. Whether it’s painting, woodworking, pottery or another creative endeavor, arts and crafts provide a wonderful outlet for the inner child, as well as brain stimulation.
Arts and crafts have long been used in therapy for many ailments. As a hobby, they serve a similar purpose by allowing emotions to be expressed through art. Dementia patients have improved their quality of life through art therapy.
Coloring Books Aren’t Just for Kids Anymore
Remember looking at the big box of 64 crayons and wishing they were yours? Whether you have the smaller box of crayons or the giant box of 96, you will enjoy the peace and serenity a good session of coloring provides. Coloring books have grown up! The current adult coloring book phenomenon is more than just a faddish craze. People are discovering benefits, from relaxation to hidden talents. Coloring is making a large impact on the adult population.
Music Calms the Soul, Awakens the Mind
A quote from the play, The Mourning Bride, articulates the power of music: “Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.” Music is powerful. Not only does it change moods, music also has the power to awaken minds affected by dementia. The documentary Alive Inside, a story of music and memory, details the extraordinary power of music.
Making music is a valuable hobby. “If you make friends with a musical instrument, you have a friend for life.” A musical instrument is an old trusted friend who knows and responds to every mood.
It is not too late to learn how to play the piano and a variety of instruments are easily learned. Once acquainted you will appreciate the blossoming friendship.
Bridge to Better Living® has a wide variety of resources to help you or your loved ones make the best of the golden years. Contact us for regarding Retirement Living Options and an improved quality of life.