How to Help Elderly People Do Mind Exercises

As we age, we often do not remember things as well as we did when were younger. Sometimes it is because of
the process of aging, brain over-load or self doubt. Fuzzy thinking can also happen when elderly people are
depressed. Helping seniors with mind exercises can be enjoyable for them, as well as challenging, If there are elderly people that you are caring for that are having problems thinking, here are some ideas for mind exercises
to help them.

Instructions

1. Help a senior citizen to get out of a rut. Elderly people can often have a specific pattern or routine of doing things. Changing things up can help the brain re-think. Have them do things in a different order during the day, or take a different route when they are walking or driving. Have them switch the order of doing things. They can keep the new order for a while, if they are a strict schedule keeper. This will help them feel more in control and comfortable. Explain to them that there will still be a schedule and order to things, it will simply be done a different way. Explain to them that these mind exercises will improve their thinking.

2. Encourage elderly people to try to not use their dominant hand for every task. Have them open doors, pick items up, comb their hair, brush teeth or wear their watch on the opposite hand. Doing mind exercises for both sides of the brain helps it stay active and alert. Prepare a meal where everyone at the table has to use their other hand to eat the entire time. It could be fun.

3. Play games with your aging loved one. Some games are better mind exercises than others, so pick the ones that make them think. Do ones that unscramble or make words. There are some terrific card games, like crazy 8's, that are fun and yet challenging at the same time. Elderly people also love to play games that take them on a trip down memory lane. This helps them to recall old movies, songs and events and are stimulating mind exercises. Doing puzzles are also great brain teasers.

4. Help elderly people to memorize things. It does not have to be something difficult. Have them work on one thing a day. There may be important telephone numbers that have already been programmed in their telephones. Instead of hitting automatic dial, have them memorize those numbers. That way, they can dial on any phone, even when they are away. If there are songs that they love, have them memorize the lyrics. Encourage them to keep singing them throughout the day. The great thing about helping seniors with mind exercises, is that you are doing them too. If you keep up the good work, you may not have problems remembering or thinking as you age.