Everyone slows down some as they get older. The challenge is to stay active enough to keep your body and mind as healthy as possible. Parking yourself in front of a screen for hours every day is not necessarily the best way to spend all your time. It is better to be a participant in life than an observer, even in your golden years. You can choose to keep your mind active a be a dynamic participant in life.
You Are Never Too Old to Learn
There are plenty of individuals who believe the adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” The truth of the matter is you can. The newest brain studies show that people can learn new things at any age. Sure, it may take you a little longer, and you may not master a particular skill, but you certainly can learn something new.
Learning new things is a way to improve your brain and create new neural pathways. Now is the time to explore opportunities to try something new. Whatever you take up may be challenging. Some seniors experiment with learning a new language or taking up a new hobby such as painting, dancing or learning a new instrument. Novel experiences are an excellent exercise for the brain.
Let’s Get Physical
Perhaps you were very physical as a youngster. Hopefully, you remained so throughout your life, but what if you were not that active as a youth? Walking 30 minutes a day five times a week has been shown to have beneficial effects on your body and mind. You can even do your walks in intervals. Go for two 15-minute walks each day. Or you can exercise to one of the many exercise programs available on video. There are endless options for seniors willing to keep the body moving.
There are a variety of activities you can participate in to keep yourself healthy and active. Right now, this may not be the time to engage with others outside of your bubble, but remember, it will not always be this way. Find activities that you can participate in safely without putting yourself at risk.
Gianna Homes is here to help you and your family members stay active and engaged in life. We provide excellent services for loved ones living with memory loss both in home settings and in our Gianna homes. Contact us today for more information about the services we offer and openings for residents.