Among aging adults and their caregivers, one common complaint is memory loss. There are easy ways, however, without being time-consuming or expensive, to improve memory. Here, we’ll take a look at memory problems that can occur in retirement age adults, and others, as well as some memory boosting exercises they can do to improve and maintain memory function.
Memory Loss In an Aging Loved One
As individual ages, several things can happen that tend to cause memory problems:
- Proteins and or hormones that help repair and protect brain cells decline
- Those same declining proteins and hormones ordinarily stimulate neural growth
- Less blood flow to the brain can thereby lead to cognitive skill changes and impaired memory
If your loved one is experiencing slowness or a delay in recalling events, dates, and names, it can be part of a normal aging process. If you suspect something more severe, however, don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns with a physician. In some cases, it may be time to consider a senior living community that focuses on memory care.
In some cases, memory problems can point to dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other afflictions.
Ways Through Which to Improve Your Loved One’s Memory
Methods – or exercises – through which an individual can improve and maintain memory function can actually be enjoyable. Here are some suggestions:
- Socialization
Maintaining social activity can be crucial for the mental health of your loved ones in their golden years. Encourage them to attend events; spend time with friends and family. If per day, your loved one participates in at least 10 minutes of social interaction, it will be of assistance to memory function.
- Mental Exercise
To keep your mind sharp, learn new skills. This could include a hand-eye coordination hobby, learning to play a new instrument, and more. In your head, do a little math when you can (card games and other word games can be of assistance here). Check online for memory games for older adults.
- More Moving and Less Sitting
An active body is a healthier body. A healthy body promotes a healthier mind. Higher resting blood flow to the brain was experienced by older adults who used a treadmill or stationary bike three times a week, for as little as one hour.
- A Healthy Diet
Your brain, just like the rest of your body, needs good nutrition to function properly. Get plenty of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats like olive oil and fish oil, nuts, vegetables, and fruit.
- Adequate Sleep
Though it doesn’t sound like much of a memory loss cure, getting enough sleep is crucial. To solidify memories, “trigger changes” in the brain are better accomplished when adequate sleep is experienced. It also helps the transfer of memories to long-term memory (from short-term memory) and strengthens connections between brain cells. Note: Adults who are at retirement age should try to get between six and nine hours of sleep.
Is Memory A Problem?
There are sensory tests that can be done, no matter how strange and clinical they may sound. They can not only help keep the brain strong and elastic, but they can be fun. Sensory tests can refresh old brain connections and make new ones.
Here’s an example: Start with a piece of food and a blindfold. Bite by bite, explain different experienced flavors. Particularly with foods that are familiar or homemade, tests like this can offer effective results.
Especially where recent events are concerned, to help minimize the memory loss of your loved one, make sure that they get plenty of undisturbed sleep.
Your Loved One Can Receive “Memory Care” at Discovery Village At Sarasota Bay
For older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other memory-related conditions, we promote quality of life, participation, and comprehension. Our unique approach to personalized memory care – the Shine Program – uses science-backed principles.
What’s more, the opportunities for socialization are many at Discovery Village At Sarasota Bay. We have a calendar full of social activities and events.
We also have on-duty staff, 24/7, at Discovery Village At Sarasota Bay.
If you have further questions, feel free to contact us at 941.216.1531. If you’d like to schedule a tour, we’d love to show you around. Click here for our convenient online form.
