Tips For Keeping Your Mind And Body Active As A Senior

800x600 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Bonaventure Senior Living believes that it is important for seniors to stay active and to continue to use both their minds and their bodies in order to remain healthy. Challenging your brain can help you to keep your mind sharp and to minimize the risk of Alzheimer's or dementia, while keeping your body moving can help you avoid common senior ailments including diabetes and heart problems. Bonaventure Senior Living also knows that it can be hard for seniors to find activities to keep active. Fortunately, these tips can help.

Fun Activities for the Mind

Your brain begins to age along with your body and both the loss of brain cells as well as chemical changes in your brain can affect your cognitive ability. However, studies suggest that the more you use your brain, the less you'll lose as far as function and sharpness. Bonaventure Senior Living suggests that seniors who want to keep their mind active consider the following fun activities for seniors:

·         Puzzles: Soduku and crossword puzzles can both be done on your own or in groups

·         Board games: Whether you play with friends or with grandchildren, board games can be an enjoyable way to help keep your brain going. This is especially true for more challenging board games like Trivial Pursuit that draw on your memories

·         Book club: Joining a book club not only means that you'll need to read and think about books but is also a great social occasion where you can have interesting conversations with like-minded individuals

·         Art openings or cultural events: If you are still mobile, Bonaventure Senior Living recommends taking advantage of cultural activities and events in the community. Many museums or even theatres offer senior discounts and attending these cultural activities can be a fun and enjoyable way to spend your time as a senior.

·         Craft projects: While it may seem as though crafts have little to do with keeping the mind sharp, many craft projects require intense concentration. Consider knitting a complicated pattern, learning to sew or perfecting your sewing skills, taking up pottery or learning needlepoint.

Fun Activities for the Body

While keeping your mind active is essential, Bonaventure Senior Living wants to remind you that you also need to keep your body moving as well.  Getting out and exercising can help you to keep weight off and retain mobility. Some examples of fun activities you can do as part of an exercise routine include:

·         Swimming: This is a great exercise activity for a senior that is both fun and safe to do since it places no stress on the joints.

·         Fitness classes like Yoga or Pilates: By taking a fitness class, you will not only be able to stay in shape but you'll also meet other people who share the goal of staying healthy.

·         Biking or hiking: As a senior, it is your chance to finally stop and smell the roses. Go on a nature hike or a bike ride and enjoy nature and beautiful scenery.

Bonaventure Senior Living knows that all seniors will have different passions and activities that excite them. The key is to find something that you enjoy doing and to make a commitment to do it regularly so you can stay happy, healthy and socially connected as a senior.