You can find our family of senior living communities in Tennessee, Georgia, and even Florida. In each community, we are proud of our Activities Directors who strive to make sure our residents have quality entertainment and plenty of things to do.
While this can give you a reassuring feeling, have you ever wondered if there is anything you can do to help your loved one participate in quality activities? Many families of our residents wonder what they can do to help keep Mom or Dad's mind sharp as they age.
Today, we've put together three ways you can promote mentally stimulating activities with your loved one. With cold weather quickly coming our way, now is a perfect time to try these out!
Coloring Activities
If we were going to jump on the bandwagon of a recent trend, this one would be it. Coloring books for adults have been all the rage lately, and can easily be found wherever books are sold. Many people have claimed that taking a little bit of time out of the day to color can be a relaxing and meditative experience.
The Guardian published an article in August of this year titled, “Coloring books for adults: we asked therapists for their opinions.” The article discusses many views on coloring, including how some see it as a way to alleviate the symptoms of stress and even physical ailments.
However, the article stressed that coloring should never be looked at as “art therapy.” One therapist stated, “This year, there have been several really good studies about why people should engage in creative activity, which doesn’t involve coloring in someone else’s designs.”
Either way, while experts do not seem to view coloring books as clinical therapy, it does not mean they can’t be therapeutic. Looking for something new and different to do during your next visit to your loved one? Feel free to bring in some coloring sheets and color while you chat. We may even have some supplies in house that you can use—just ask us!
Interactive Games
Spending time with family members can be beneficial to your elderly loved one in more ways than one. Not only does family bonding help ease loneliness which is common for some seniors, but the playing of simple card and board games helps your loved one’s brain stay active.
The next time you bring the grandkids along to see mom and/or dad, pack a deck of playing cards or a memory matching game. You can play one-on-one or make it a group activity!
Puzzle Books
Puzzle books are a great way for our residents to pass time—and they’re addicting, too! Crosswords, word searches, Sudoku puzzles, and other letter and number games are an entertaining way to make it through a slow and quiet day. At the same time, they help your loved one's mind stay on its toes by trying to solve the puzzles.
Some of our residents even enjoy playing puzzle games on their tablets to pass the time. Have you seen our blog about the benefits of technology in the lives of seniors?
If you have a question about interaction tips with your loved one, please do not hesitate to ask one of our staff members during your next visit.
What are some ways that you try to help your loved one exercise his/her brain?
