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#51 - Cognitive Health: Brain Games and Activities for Mental Sharpness
Manage episode 491085717 series 3591277
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Cognitive health is essential for seniors who want to remain safe and independent, and just like physical exercise, our brains need regular workouts to stay sharp.
• The difference between normal age-related cognitive changes and concerning signs that warrant medical attention
• Why reasoning and judgment are often the first cognitive abilities to decline with age
• Traditional brain games like crossword puzzles may not provide enough challenge if you've been doing them for years
• The importance of novelty – learning completely new skills creates better cognitive stimulation
• Memory exercises like the tray game can improve recall and provide measurable progress
• Daily activities like cooking new recipes, gardening, or learning an instrument offer practical cognitive exercise
• Social interaction is a powerful brain booster – loneliness is as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes daily
• For those with dementia, focus on success-based activities that emphasize remaining abilities
• Establishing consistent daily routines provides cognitive scaffolding for better brain health
What are you doing to keep your brain sharp? Subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes.
For more information about aging in place and caregiving for older adults, visit our website at SeniorSafetyAdvice.com
Chapters
1. Introduction to Cognitive Health (00:00:00)
2. Signs of Cognitive Decline (00:05:01)
3. Brain Games and Challenging Activities (00:07:53)
4. Daily Activities for Cognitive Health (00:12:28)
5. Socializing as a Brain Booster (00:14:22)
6. Supporting Those with Dementia (00:17:57)
7. Benefits of Daily Routines (00:20:08)
8. Closing Thoughts and Call-to-Action (00:21:50)
51 episodes
Manage episode 491085717 series 3591277
Got a comment or idea? Send us a text.
Cognitive health is essential for seniors who want to remain safe and independent, and just like physical exercise, our brains need regular workouts to stay sharp.
• The difference between normal age-related cognitive changes and concerning signs that warrant medical attention
• Why reasoning and judgment are often the first cognitive abilities to decline with age
• Traditional brain games like crossword puzzles may not provide enough challenge if you've been doing them for years
• The importance of novelty – learning completely new skills creates better cognitive stimulation
• Memory exercises like the tray game can improve recall and provide measurable progress
• Daily activities like cooking new recipes, gardening, or learning an instrument offer practical cognitive exercise
• Social interaction is a powerful brain booster – loneliness is as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes daily
• For those with dementia, focus on success-based activities that emphasize remaining abilities
• Establishing consistent daily routines provides cognitive scaffolding for better brain health
What are you doing to keep your brain sharp? Subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes.
For more information about aging in place and caregiving for older adults, visit our website at SeniorSafetyAdvice.com
Chapters
1. Introduction to Cognitive Health (00:00:00)
2. Signs of Cognitive Decline (00:05:01)
3. Brain Games and Challenging Activities (00:07:53)
4. Daily Activities for Cognitive Health (00:12:28)
5. Socializing as a Brain Booster (00:14:22)
6. Supporting Those with Dementia (00:17:57)
7. Benefits of Daily Routines (00:20:08)
8. Closing Thoughts and Call-to-Action (00:21:50)
51 episodes
All episodes
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