Aging can lead to cognitive problems, including memory impairment. However, there are steps seniors can take to prevent memory loss. The following strategies can help your aging loved one keep his or her brain sharp and increase independence in the senior years.
Exercising
Health conditions like diabetes and hypertension can cause poor circulation and prevent blood and oxygen from flowing to the brain. As a result, the brain won’t function properly, and your loved one could experience issues like memory loss. Staying physically active can increase circulation and lower the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Exercise can also trigger proteins that promote cell growth and boost memory.
A professional caregiver can be a terrific source of support for a senior who needs a hand with exercising safely. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. Assisting Hands Home Care Reston is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Playing Brain Games
Exercising the mind is just as important as working out the body. Therefore, your loved one should include fun brain games in his or her weekly routine. While finding the answers to crossword puzzles, playing charades with family and friends, or going on a scavenger hunt with the grandchildren, your loved one can keep his or her mind stimulated and preserve his or her memory. Other mentally challenging activities for the elderly include reading, putting together jigsaw puzzles, and playing video games.
Addressing Stress
Anxiety can cause the release of cortisol and other stress hormones that make it difficult to retrieve information from the brain. By controlling stress, seniors can preserve their memory and enhance their mood. Some of the best ways for aging adults to address stress include taking up hobbies like arts and crafts, gardening, or listening to music and making an effort to laugh more often. Seniors should also consider joining support groups where they can speak with others honestly and openly on a variety of topics.
Socializing
Maintaining healthy relationships with friends and family can preserve mental function in seniors and stave off memory loss. When interacting with others, seniors typically rely on their short- and long-term memory as well as their reasoning skills and other abilities. Isolation can cause the brain to become inactive and lead to various issues, including cognitive decline and decreased memory. Being isolated can also increase the odds of dementia, but socialization can reduce the risk of this neurological disorder.
For families living in Reston, at-home care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Learning
One of the best ways to preserve mental functioning is to learn new things, such as languages, sports, or how to play a musical instrument. These mental activities challenge the mind and stimulate communication among the brain cells. Learning something new and working out the mind boost hippocampus function. The hippocampus is a formation in the brain that acquires and consolidates new and existing memories. When it comes to learning new things, make sure the activities don’t cause confusion and frustration. Your loved one should enjoy the learning opportunities, not dread them.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional homecare. Reston families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care Reston today at 703-556-8983.
