Brain-Stimulating Activities for Seniors

Staying Sharp as We Age

Cognitive issues are common as we get older, and aging can cause challenges with memory or thinking. We don’t have to just accept that, though! If you are concerned about the mental acuity of yourself or a loved one, there is good news. There are plenty of brain-stimulating activities you can do alone or with someone else, to keep your mind healthy, improving memory, problem-solving, creativity, and overall cognitive function.

16 Brain-Stimulating Activities for Seniors

1. Exercising the body: It might surprise you that we start with this one, but hear us out! Exercise is good for every part of your body, including your brain. Walking, yoga, swimming, stretching, and dancing are all ways to help reduce cognitive decline, and if your mobility is limited, you can still keep your heart rate up and work your brain. Stretching and chair yoga are two examples of exercises that don’t require mobility. 
2. Exercising the brain: For seniors who use smartphones, brain training and memory apps are a great option. For those who prefer old-school pencil and paper, try Sudoku, a word search, or a crossword. 
3. Reading: The wonderful thing about reading is that you can read whatever you enjoy! Fiction, nonfiction, magazines, websites, and newspapers all provide similar benefits. You don’t even have to read on your own; audiobooks engage the mind as you follow the story. 
4. Doing puzzles: Word puzzles are beneficial, but so are old-fashioned jigsaw puzzles. Puzzles can be done at any age and are a great way to connect with other people as you work together or stimulate your brain as you work alone. 
5. Playing games: Whether you are playing games alone or with friends, you are giving your brain a workout. Card games and board games are good for brain stimulation, and games that require strategy and critical thinking, like chess or checkers, are particularly beneficial. Chess is believed to raise IQ, help prevent dementia, exercise both sides of the brain, improve creativity, and boost memory, concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. 
6. Music: Learning to play an instrument is obviously a challenging and rewarding experience that requires concentration and focus. However, even listening to music can improve mood, mental clarity, and memory. However a person prefers to engage with music, it can provide mental stimulation. 
7. Writing: Writing is a great mental exercise, whether you are writing letters and cards, keeping a journal, or trying your hand at creative writing. 
8. Engaging in creative practices: Creativity is good for the brain, so give it a try! You don’t need to create a masterpiece, just try some form of art or crafting, whether it’s painting, drawing, knitting, crocheting, or making pottery. 
9. Working with your hands: Whittling, sewing, and even video games can improve hand-eye coordination and stimulate the brain. 
10. Learning a language: Similar to the way learning to play an instrument gives the brain a workout, learning a new language provides plenty of brain exercise. It requires effort and intent and can improve concentration and memory. 
11. Cooking: All of the different steps involved in cooking, from planning to shopping to meal preparation, require mental focus. Cooking favorite recipes can trigger memories and improve mood, and focusing on cooking healthy meals can protect against cognitive decline. 
12. Outdoor activities: Just being outside is good for mental health, but activities like gardening, birdwatching, and hiking add another layer of mental focus. 
13. Interacting with others: When you socialize, you must listen and process information, and this stimulates the brain. You may also need to navigate communication barriers, misunderstandings, and other issues that can also challenge your brain. Make an effort to connect with people, whether that’s by getting together with friends and family or joining a group or club. 
14. Mindfulness: Being mindful, doing breathing exercises, and practicing meditation are all good ways to reduce stress, increase memory, regulate emotions, and improve cognitive function. 
15. Volunteering: When you volunteer, you have the benefit of social connection combined with new situations and the chance to make a difference. All of these are mentally stimulating, and it is rewarding to help others. 
16. Sleeping: This may not seem like a very active way to work the brain, but it is more beneficial than you may realize. While we sleep, our learning and memories are consolidated, and adequate good quality sleep can prevent cognitive decline. 

In-home Care Can Help Stimulate the Brain

If you have an older loved one who needs companionship and mental stimulation, an in-home caregiver may be exactly the right fit. Homecare providers can help keep older people engaged in social activities while offering companionship and helping them with the tasks of daily living. By encouraging seniors to engage in mentally stimulating activities, caregivers can help them keep their minds sharp. At BrightStar Care of North Houston/The Woodlands, we know that caring for an aging loved one can be challenging. That’s why we work hard to deliver the right care for your relative and to be a partner you can turn to for support. Because we believe that caring is more than just a job, our nurses, therapists, CNAs, and caregivers offer the most professional compassionate care available. In the comforting, familiar surroundings of home, we offer a full range of care services to meet your loved one’s needs and help you when you need it most. Contact us or call 281-367-7827 to learn more about our services and let us know what we can do for you.