Tips for Keeping the Mind Sharp as a Senior Citizen
Are you worried about your elderly loved one’s mental state? Does it seem like they are forgetting things more often, but they don’t have Alzheimer’s disease? You might even notice that your elderly loved one just isn’t doing much physically or mentally. If this is the case, there are some tips to help them keep their mind sharp that you and 24-hour home care providers can help with, if needed.
Improving Physical Health
Physical health and mental health do go hand in hand. For example, studies show that people who exercise regularly have better memory, concentration, and focus. If your elderly loved one isn’t exercising often, you can help them to create an exercise plan. If they stick to that plan or, at the very least, start exercising regularly, it can help to keep their mind sharp. As always, consult with your senior’s primary care physician before beginning any exercise regimen.
Lowering High Blood Pressure
Did you know that high blood pressure can affect one’s mental state? Many people who have high blood pressure often feel overwhelmed and stressed. Sure, there are physical health reasons such as lowering the risk for heart disease for why your elderly loved one should manage their blood pressure. However, lowering their blood pressure can also help to keep their mind active and sharp. If your elderly loved one needs to take prescription blood pressure medications, you or a senior care provider can remind them to take those.
Regular Brain Games
Another way that your elderly loved one can keep their mind sharp is to play regular brain games. There are a range of online websites and apps that your elderly loved one can use to challenge their mind. There are also other brain games they can play or do such as:
- Brain teasers
- Board puzzles
- Trivia games
If your elderly loved one doesn’t want to do these on their own and you can’t be there to play the games with them, you can hire 24-hour home care providers to help with this.
Conclusion
These are just some of the many ways that your elderly loved one can keep their mind sharp. Now that you know about these tips, be sure to share them with your elderly loved one. You can ask them if they would like help in following through with any of these recommendations. If so, you or a home care provider can assist them. If, at any point, you are truly concerned about your elderly loved one’s mental or brain health, have them see their doctor about any issues that are happening at that time.
Sources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults