Senior
citizens need a lot of mental stimulation in their everyday activities. Most of
the time, they need some routine activities in order for them to remember what
they must do during the day. But before any routine activities can be started
and established, there is a need for constant brain stimulation activities in
order for them to constantly remind them of what they used to do during the
early part of their lives.
Having
an immediate family member under a senior assisted living home; I made some mental
stimulation activities that can be done on a daily or weekly basis:
1.
Play scrabble. About 30
minutes to 1 hour of scrabble time will do. Helping your elderly create words
from time to time will encourage their creative minds to build some vocabulary that
they do not frequently use.
2.
Watch a movie. Start off with
a favorite movie. Remember that a favorite movie will help them remember any particular
event, occasion, or situation associated with such film. And as you gradually
move on, watch a particular genre of movie that they could easily related to.
Remember that THEY are watching the movie, NOT you. Their interest is of utmost
importance during movie watching.
3.
Bring old and
new photographs.
Help your elder label the event, the people included in the frame, and other
important details related to the old photographs. Old photographs will help
them remember the life they led and how far they have gone through life’s
difficulties and challenges. On the other hand, new photographs will help them
remind the new members of their extended family, and how each and every family
member has grown through the years. Have these photographs neatly piled in a
photo album so that each day, your elderly may browse through them whenever
they feel like remembering someone.
4.
Create a weekly
diary.
With your help, weekly passages of the diary may comprise activities that have
been done through the week, some memorable events or persons, any significant
medical condition, and other entries that you feel like writing about. Once in
a while, read the diary to them as if you are telling a story. A diary may help
your senior citizen remember some of the things that have happened in a not so
distant past. It can also be their guide towards self healing and spiritual
upliftment, things that they must constantly dwell upon in order for them to
embrace their old age life.
5.
Play a game of
FIRSTS.
While having the diary in hand, you and your elder can play the game of firsts:
movie, bicycle ride, plane ride, bus ride, relationship, heart break, time away
from home, best friend, boy/girlfriend, job, etc. The list may go on as you
please. This may form as a sort of bonding time for you. So be honest and just
play along.
6.
Play some Poker. Not a fan of
poker? Then try other card games that will entertain and stimulate your elder’s
mental agility. Card games also pave way for family bonding and remove stress
from work.
7.
Have a dash of
sunlight every day.
Not only does sunlight enhances your elder’s Vitamin D and physical
development, it also relieves stress. By starting the day right, your elder can
relieve his or her mind from worries, doubts, and pain. It also sets a positive
attitude towards life, particularly on aging.
8.
Sew your way
around.
Re-learn the basic sewing stitches with your elder. Carefully guide your elder
in using the needle and scissors. After practice stitching, try sewing some old
clothes that needs repair. Afterwards, you and your elder can evolve into some
clothing materials that are more useful like quilts, blouses, pants, shorts,
among others.
9.
Play the
crossword puzzle.
Crossword puzzles are fun vocabulary builders and increase one’s patience.
Start off by playing easy puzzles. Then, gradually build on your elder’s
vocabulary by increasing the degree of difficulty of each puzzle. Help your
elder play by encouraging meaningful ways for them to think out loud.
10.
Read the Bible. For religious
elders, it would help them remember important religious passages if you would
help them read the Bible. Reading the Bible not only improves mental
stimulation, it also enhances one’s spiritual being and acceptance of the
realities of old age.
There
are a whole lot more of activities to encourage your senior citizen’s mental
stimulation, without needing to spend a single centavo. But in order for all of
these activities to happen, you must be more than willing to participate, help,
and guide your elder in each and every activity that he or she is willing to
try. For it is in the caregiver’s, family or not, caring touch that all of
these activities’ purpose can be fully realized.
www.nvseniorguide.com is the leading
comprehensive resource directory for seniors in Nevada, providing information
about homes, health, services and leisure activities. Leigh St John is
the Executive Director and welcomes your inquiries. Simply visit the site
for more information.
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