Brain-Boosting Activities

Our brains go through both structural and functional changes as we age, which can cause a decline in our cognitive abilities and memory. Moreover, certain lifestyle factors as well as genetics can accelerate the aging process. Carrie Ditzel, PhD., director of geropsychology and neuropsychology at Baker Street Behavioral Health, explains, "Much like muscle and that old saying 'if you don’t use it, you lose it,' using your brain can help protect it, to an extent, from some typical memory decline and slowing."

So, what should we do to help keep our brain as healthy as possible? Experts say it is helpful to routinely engage in stimulating, challenging activities as well as to keep moving. Rather than just looking at exercise as something to aid in weight loss, it should be something we do to keep our bodies running better and help us feel more energetic. Choose exercises you enjoy including senior friendly ones such as Tai chi, yoga, swimming or hiking/walking.

Studies also show listening to different types of music can strengthen auditory skills and improve attention and memory. Nadia Kumentas, NMD, a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine with Muse, says "Engaging with various styles of music has been shown to have multifaceted effects on both emotional and cognitive functions of the brain." Music can be used to make exercise more fun, help us wind down and relax, or tune in to our creative side.

Keeping up with friends and family is another easy way to engage our brains as it makes us feel part of a tribe and gives us a sense of purpose. Sitting down with a good book also makes us focus our concentration as we need to follow the book’s plot line, characters and events.

Lastly, don’t forget about hobbies, as they help us wind down, allow us to get in touch with our creative side and offer a good excuse for “me time.” The possibilities are almost endless but include playing an instrument, taking a course, gardening and playing games.

MorningStar at River Oaks is proud to provide luxury independent and assisted living in Houston’s Upper Kirby District. Residents enjoy maintenance-free living, an array of on-site amenities, wellness programs and a calendar full of activities. For seniors with memory loss diseases, our Reflections Neighborhood provides holistic care in a safe, nurturing environment. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest senior living apartments Houston offers. Please contact our team to inquire about availability, pricing or to set up a tour.

Comments

MorningStar’s Luxury Senior Living in Houston

As senior living communities provide a range of benefits such as socialization, healthcare, amenities, and convenient services, it is no surprise it has become a popular lifestyle for many older adults. If your family has already started the search for senior living in Houston , you know there are many options. This may have left you wondering how to narrow down your search to find the optimal community for yourself or a loved one? Experts say the first thing to do is to find a home that provides the proper level of care. If you are a senior who needs help with the ADLs (activities of daily living), assisted living offers you the opportunity to maintain your sense of independence and get on with living your life to the fullest. In addition to 24/7 care managers, access to licensed nurses, and medication management, many assisted living communities offer services including meals, onsite amenities, scheduled transportation, housekeeping and more. They also often provide opportunitie...

Memory Care Communities Provide a Safe, Welcoming Home

If a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, at some point, you may require professional help. The number one concern at a memory care community is to ensure the safety of the person as many of the disease’s symptoms place the person more at risk for accidents and other mishaps. Forgetfulness and confusion are some of the most recognizable signs of Alzheimer’s disease and can cause problems like forgetting to turn off a stove, getting lost in familiar areas or wandering. Other common issues in the early stages of the disease include vision/spatial issues and impaired reasoning and judgment, problem solving and difficulty in completing everyday tasks. Memory care communities are equipped to provide a safe, stable residential environment for seniors with memory impairment as well as provide meaningful activities to keep the person engaged. At most communities, the staff receives extensive training and information regarding the disease to better treat and ...

Are You Ready for a Parent’s Unexpected Hospital Stay?

While many hospital stays are planned, older adults are more likely to require an unexpected trip to the hospital. When you have the luxury of time, it is easy to get prepared with the necessary information a parent needs when admitted to the hospital. It can be a different story if the trip is sudden. Medical experts say to ensure a loved one gets the proper care, it is important to see to it that the hospital has a complete medical history. Notes and documents can be completed and gathered now then updated as health changes occur. For starters, the hospital will want a “next of kin” contact for the patient so decide beforehand who that will be. Now go through the list of medications your parents take and make sure they are all together in one location. In the event of a medical emergency, you will be able to bring all their medications with you to ensure the hospital knows the most up-to-date medications and dosages. Another thing to gather information on regards your parents’ pre-...

MorningStar Independent Living Blog

Search This Blog