Whether due to dementia or the natural aging process, many seniors have difficulty with their memory. They might mix up names, forget phone numbers, or lose track of dates and times. However, there are plenty of ways to keep the memory sharp in the senior years. Here are some of the best life hacks to boost memory in older adults.
Engage in Smart Exercise
Scientific research suggests regular exercise is one of the best ways to boost brain health. Engaging in physical activity promotes new brain cell production, enhances cellular communication, and boosts cognitive health. If seniors are serious about sharpening their minds, they should add cardiovascular exercises in their daily routines. Cardiovascular exercise tends to be the best for brain health, but seniors should be careful not to get complacent. To work out the mind as well as the body, they should choose a type of exercise that offers plenty of variety. For example, dancing forces people to make continuous, spur-of-the-moment decisions that boost cognitive function. Seniors can also pair cardiovascular exercise with learning. While on the treadmill, they can listen to audiobooks.
Older adults who need help exercising should consider professional in-home care. Philadelphia home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Eat Healthy Foods
Seniors should eat foods that contribute to cognitive health. Diets rich in protein, vegetables, fruits, omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, antioxidants, and resveratrol are known to enhance brain health.
Play Brain-Boosting Games
Seniors shouldn’t just work out the body. If they want to boost their memory, older adults should also subject their minds to rigorous weekly workout sessions. There are plenty of ways to get the brain muscle moving. Playing brain-boosting games or learning a new language can enhance cognitive health.
Older adults can boost their memory by making several healthy lifestyle choices. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior home care. Philadelphia Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Utilize Memory Systems
When seniors need to remember something important, they should use memory systems. Common examples include visualization, mnemonic devices, and peg systems. Many seniors experience diminished focus as they age, and adopting a specific memory system can be a big help. A peg system allows seniors to use rhyming numbers where the first ten digits are all given rhyming keywords. “One” might be “gun,” and “two” might be “shoe.” If they have to remember the date of their next doctor’s appointment, they might visualize a pair of shoes crossing the finish line of a race, with the barrel of a gun spurring them forward. Seniors just have to remember their original rhyming system, and then they can create unique visualizations for each new piece of important information.
Find Ways to Compensate for Memory Loss
The best way to mitigate age-related memory loss is to find effective ways to compensate, which is known as cognitive restructuring. When seniors actively compensate for age-related memory changes, it gives them more time to pursue the things they’re interested in. For example, seniors who have started losing their keys all the time should compensate by choosing a specific place to store the keys at home.
Caring for seniors with memory issues can be a challenging task. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Philadelphia, PA, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. To schedule a free in-home consultation, call one of our friendly Care Managers at (215) 645-4663 today.