Effective Memory Activities For Seniors

By Paul Edwards


A significant number of seniors struggle with some degree of memory loss. This problem tends to get worse as they get older mainly due to the atrophy (shrinkage) of their brain tissue. In most cases, it is short term rather than long term memory that is affected. This does pose a major challenge considering that a lot of vital information is protected by passwords and PINs. To keep this problem in check, there are a number of Memory activities for seniors to consider.

Solving puzzles is a time tested solution for keeping amnesia at bay. They are effective in all age groups including seniors. Crossword puzzles involving words or numbers are particularly useful. Many of these exercises are quite simple and do not require intelligent solutions. Rather they are based in simple logic. Engaging in such exercises on a daily basis has tremendous long term benefits.

Sensory stimulation is a solution that proposes the regular use of all the senses. Proponents argue that this helps in maintaining neural connections and indeed helps with recall. The sense of hearing, for instance, can be engaged by regularly listening to beautiful music. The gustatory sense calls for one to taste something delicious while vision also requires that one indulges their eyes on colourful objects and events.

Board games are both entertaining and memory stimulating. The most common are draughts (checkers) and chess. To win these games, one must recall the move made by their opponents and anticipate where they are likely to play next. In this regard, they also aid in maintaining cognitive ability. Fortunately, there are many android apps with such games which means that a human opponent is not necessary every time.

Simple as it sounds, regular reading is an important exercise for enhancing memory. It is especially useful for what is referred to as word recall. Materials that may be read are many and varied. Historical information than the senior is familiar with is likely to be more useful as it will help trigger memories of what they have always known. Frequency of reading rather than volumes read should be emphasized.

It should be emphasized that seniors should strive to keep learning as long as they are still alive. Learning something new is it just exciting but it puts a recall strain on the brain which ultimately serves to preserve the memory. Once a new skill has been acquired one has to keep remembering it so that they can keep it to use from time to time. New skills may include, for example, learning an instrument, learning how to cook and even attempting a new language.

It is important to take care of physical health even as one strives to maintain memory. Regular exercise goes a long way in maintaining circulation in the brain and keeping the brain healthy. Exercises that are recommended may include jogging, brisk walking and cycling. It is necessary that one also lays emphasis on a proper diet.

Amnesia is a very common problem among the elderly. The severity shows inter-individual variability with some people displaying more severe symptoms compared to others. In some persons symptoms are exacerbated by the presence of some medical conditions such as Alzheimer disease. Remaining active throughout keeps this problem in check.




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