Time to Go Out There and Have a Good Time while Helping Yourself Improve Memory and Physical Dexterity
Gamers wanted! Remember when you were little, people would tell you to grow up and stop playing games?
They were wrong. Numerous studies show that playing is good for you since such activities can improve memory and physical dexterity.
At any age, simple activities such as playing board or video games, gardening, socializing, walking, singing, painting, making crafts, or even learning new things on the internet can stimulate your mind and your body.
As long as the activity keeps the body moving and the brain needs to focus, it’s great exercise.
Think about it for a minute.
Some examples of how games can improve memory and physical dexterity.
- Let’s say you’re playing a video game. There are rules to learn, mental strategy and physical dexterity come into play especially if it is a video game. Even a simple matching game tends to require more strategy as you rise through the levels.
- Board games exercise your mind since they often are a combination of strategy and luck.
- When you garden, you need to know the steps to plant the seeds, nurture the plants so they grow, and if it is vegetable or fruit when to reap the crop.
- Walking or running requires physical dexterity, balance, and endurance.
- Singing and/or music can be fun, bring back wonderful memories, and even get someone to move with the music whether it be dancing or just clapping and swaying along.
Research indicates that living an active lifestyle could help alleviate some of the symptoms of a variety of health issues.
- Heart disease and hypertension
- Depression and other mental health issues
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- And activities are even recommended for people with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia
Everyday Health recommends 10 easy ways seniors can boost their mental health and well-being.
Many of these can improve memory and physical dexterity as well.
- Exercise – stretching; dancing; walking; swimming; etc.
- Socialize with others – participate in a new hobby; meet up with friends; go to events; etc.
- Get together with family as a group and on an individual basis – learn what’s new in their lives
- Become tech savvy – use a cell phone; go on Facebook; cruise the internet; play video games; etc.
- Contact friends by phone, email, social media, mail or in person.
- Go back to school. Audit college courses; go to lectures and attend free cultural events.
- Adopt a pet from a shelter.
- Make a difference. You have a lifetime of experience to share with others.
- Make a spiritual or community connection – join groups that offer activities and/or support.
- Finally, PLAY GAMES – jigsaw puzzles; board games; chess; checkers; bridge or anything else that appeals to you. The idea is to stimulate your mind with new ideas, rather than repetitively doing the same things.
According to other studies and articles, reducing stress, getting regular check-ups, eating right and getting enough sleep are also beneficial ways to improve cognitive functions along with game playing.
How SARA Caregivers Can Help Clients to try and Improve Memory and Physical Dexterity
SARA is a big proponent of creating an activity program that is customized to our client’s needs. Our HHAs are trained to interact with you or your loved one by initiating individualized activities that will stimulate the mind or provide some gentle exercise for the body. Everyone is unique in their interests, capabilities and needs so we are cognizant of that in developing an activity program.
During our intake process, clients and their client care coordinator discuss their interests, abilities, hobbies, and favorite activities and we work with our clients to incorporate them into the plan of care. In doing so, we believe that our caregivers help with the process to improve memory and physical dexterity.