If you have been noticing your loved elderly’s memory power taking a hit, you are not alone. It happens to many seniors, but the good news is – there are brain exercises that can help your loved elderly improve their brainpower!

Yay!

In this article, we have come up with seven mental exercises to improve the mental capacity of the elderly and keep their aging brain sharp.

Take a look. 

Music

Music is one of the best among elderly mental exercises as it raises attention, stimulates sentiments, and boosts memory. Moreover, it reduces anxiety, depression, and stress levels. 

You can use music in many fun ways to increase alertness in your elderly. Ask them to learn the lyrics to a new song and sing it or play a musical instrument, such as the guitar or piano. Chanting also has a profound effect on the brain.

This activity is a perfect way to keep your elderly’s brain working sharply. 

Puzzles

Solving puzzles is a fun past-time and highly beneficial for the elderly’s good mental health and relaxation. It is easy to integrate puzzles into the daily routine of the elderly and you can also join them to make it into an interactive activity. 

You can try a variety of puzzles such as sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, or crosswords. Studies show that solving crossword puzzles can delay the onset of accelerated memory decline in the elderly by an average of 2.54 years.

Puzzles, board games, memory games, and IQ tests can help seniors exercise their memories like what you can find at Brainable and similar online sources. They’re also used as assessment tools by mental health experts and as part of the treatment plan of seniors exhibiting signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Crafts

Creating items on your own and DIY is not only fun but good for your brain as well. Research proves that crafts like quilting or pottery decrease the risk of developing memory loss by 30 to 50 percent. 

It also reduces anxiety, builds confidence, and creates a feeling of happiness. You can try various crafting projects with your seniors, such as painting, pottery, sewing, and knitting. It pays off to start with the essential steps firstto avoid confusing the senior and losinginterest in these activities.

Gardening

It can be among the best pastimes for your elderly parents. Physical activity keeps them active and mobile. It is a great calming and wellness activity that reduces the stress hormone cortisol, which is responsible for increasing the risk of developing a mental illness. 

Studies show that gardening also lowers the risk of future dementia by 36 percent.

You can start with potted plants and flowers first and eventually get the elderly to plant or transfer them on a soil bed if possible. If not, simple trimming or cutting dead leaves or everyday garden watering can help keep seniors relaxed and focused.

Aside from a lower risk of dementia, seniors can also breathe fresher air in the garden for respiratory health. The sweet smell of lavender, jasmine, and basil for an indoor garden can also make the elderly’s home fragrant, which helps boost mental clarity.

Here are the plants that are easy to grow suitable for the elderly:

  • Burro’s tail
  • Aloe vera
  • Jade plant
  • Snake plant

Cooking

Cooking food makes use of all five senses. It is among the best brain exercise for seniors. Look for some exciting recipes to try with your elderly parents. Do encourage them to develop new cooking skills. 

You can also invite your friends or family members to cook alongside your parents. It will present an opportunity to socialize and have a delicious meal and conversation. You can also choose baking as an alternative to traditional cooking.

Using Their Food Buds!

Did you know that tasting good food is also an effective mental exercise? Ah, now you do!

If your parents enjoy tasting good food, purchase a variety of unique fruits, veggies, and other ingredients that they have never tasted earlier. Ask them to identify the components by taste, smell, and texture with their eyes closed. You can even ask them to identify the spices and seasonings in the food.

Writing

Scribbling thoughts on paper not only stimulates brain cells but is highly effective at improving memory. 

So, consider asking your seniors to put their thoughts on paper. What they write, that does not matter. Ask them to write stories, poems, or letters to their old friends.

It would also help to buy a journal or diary notebook for seniors. They can also use them as a great place to attach pictures or anything they find memorable. Daily writing of their life’s events can help them remember recent memories that most seniors tend to forget.

Final Word

Stimulating the brain through various exercises is highly beneficial in increasing mental capacity. The brain exercises mentioned above will improve brain health and help aging adults stay mentally fit. 

Got any questions? Ask us in the comments!