Who knew that an evening spent playing bingo or taking line dance lessons could improve your mental processes and perhaps prevent or delay age-related cognitive changes.
Just as a physical exercise regimen is linked to healthier aging brains, recent university and medical studies suggest that an active and socially integrated lifestyle in aging adults can also help defend against dementia and other cognitive impairments.
Researchers believe that social activity, and keeping busy in general, challenges aging adults to interact in exchanges of intellect, support, or just to have fun with other individuals, which promote better cognitive health, not to mention prolong life. To summarize the research, socially-related activities keeps the mind sharp, which can influence the physiological processes regulated by the brain like dementia, immune systems and other health-related problems.
How Social is Your Aging Loved One?
These studies have found that social isolation can actually accelerate cognitive deterioration in aging adults, not to mention lead to depression and anxiety. See how your loved ones’ social engagement level stacks up by asking them these questions.
- How often do you attend church?
- How often do you visit family and friends?
- How often do you play games with others (chess, checkers, cards, etc.)?
- How often do you participate in recreational activities (camping, biking, fishing, etc.)?
- How often do you physically exercise?
- How often do you read books, newspapers, do crossword puzzles?
- How often do you go to the library?
- How often do you eat out in restaurants?
- How often do you volunteer at schools, civic groups, etc.?
- How often do you take classes?
- How often do you attend sporting events?
- How often do you go to the movies, theater or museums?
- How often do you watch television or listen to the radio?
Getting Your Aging Loved One More Engaged
An active social network combined with leisure activities and a physical fitness routine can improve your aging loved one’s overall health and reduce cognitive decline. For many aging adults, working was their main social outlet. But as job activities decrease with age, it’s important to find other outlets that require contact with society. Sometimes it just takes a little help from you to get them motivated. Here are some tips for getting your aging loved ones socially involved.
- First, find out who is in their social network and encourage them to get together often. It’s important to have a social group so your loved ones aren’t always doing things on their own.
- Visit with their local senior center to see what events and activities they offer.
- Pick up a brochure from their local library with a list of author readings and book signings.
- Invite your loved ones to your child’s sporting events.
- Check with community colleges for a list of continuing education/adult learning classes.
- Include them in family camping or fishing trips.
- Get them a subscription to the local paper, Wall Street Journal or The New York Times. While an isolated activity, it keeps their mind sharp and gives them something to talk about when they are with others.
- Encourage them to join Silver Sneakers or other senior-focused exercise programs.
- Give them a gift card to a local restaurant with enough to cover their lunch and a friends.
- Persuade them to purchase season tickets to their local theater.
- Suggest they try a painting or photography class, or learn something new they’ve always wanted to try.
Your Next Move can help you locate the perfect senior housing for your aging loved one. Our team of relocation specialists are also with you through every step of the transition process including downsizing, estate sales, moving household goods, and home sale.
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Your Next Move, Easing Your Senior Transition
Julie Kopetsky, President
www.yournextmovenc.com
919-601-8203
Julie.kopetsky@yournextmovenc.com