How to Encourage Positive Brain Functioning in your Aging Loved One

You may have heard the term, “use it or lose it.” Well that holds especially true for the brain. When the brain is not in active use, it begins to shrink. Unlike most organs like kidneys or even the heart, the brain is one organ that cannot be replaced.

There is a misconception that once your aging loved one shows signs of memory loss, it is a continuous downfall. If you do not take an active role in keeping the brain engaged, this could very well be the result. Brain exercise is equally as important as eating nutritionally and physical exercise. It could make the difference between the casual slip up of misplacing the car keys to not remembering your grandchild’s name. Listed below are a some easy and fun steps to keeping your aging loved one’s mind sharp and interactive.

1. Positive Thinking

Researcher Becca R. Levy and colleagues at the Yale School of Public Health has conducted a study suggesting seniors with positive thinking on aging will live a longer and more independent life than those who have a negative view on aging. Levy also claims that seniors suffering from disabilities are as much as 44% more likely to recover than those with negative thinking habits. “This result suggests that how the old view their aging process could have an effect on how they experience it,” stated Levy.

2. Writing

Encourage your parent or aging loved one to keep a journal. They could write down things they wish to accomplish, how their day went, or even a fairy tale story. It gets them using their imagination and also keeps their fine motor skills in practice.

Fine motor skills are required for everyday activities. If fine motor skills begin to decline, little tasks in our daily routine, such as buttoning clothing or turning a page in a book, suddenly become a hassle rather than an unconscious action. Practicing fine motor skills will greatly impact the cognition of seniors, therefore greatly influencing overall wellbeing.

3. Game Playing and Problem Solving

Engage in a game or activity that involves critical thinking before action. Card playing is a great method to stimulate the brain. It can influence social interaction and teamwork while requiring the brain to work, learn, stretch and grow.

If you are bringing the grandkids to visit grandma at the facility, encourage them to bring a puzzle to work on together. In the end, praise both the child and the grandparent for a job well done and great teamwork. Crossword puzzles are another great exercise for the aging brain. It involves jogging of the memory, using context clues, improves verbal fluency, and generates new brain cells according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

4. Self-Dependence

When entering into an assisted living facility or nursing home, it is especially common for seniors to feel a loss of independence. Generally, they require more assistance because their needed level of care is increasing, which can result in the downfall of self-determination.

As an adult, having to suddenly answer to a staff, abide by new rules along with the sudden change of habitual activities can be overwhelming. On average, it takes approximately 3 to 6 months for a healthy adult to adjust to any new environment. For an aging senior with health complications, with the added difficulties, it could take even longer.

It is always a punishing matter to watch your aging loved one battle hard times and stress.The last thing a child wants to hear is their parent say, “I’m not going” when referring to an assisted living facility or nursing home. Even with piling medical conditions, it is normal to feel the need to stay self-dependant until the very end. Unfortunately, this is just not always realistic. It is at these times that having and maintaining a support network deems most important.  Seniors who participate in social interaction show greater sleep cycles, attention spans, mood, perception and memory, thus resulting in comfort, health and happiness.

Here are a few ways to help your parent understand why entering into a nursing home or assisted living facility will positively impact their quality of life.

• Don’t want until the last minute to talk to your parent about making the transition into an ALF or nursing home. In fact, it is never too early to start having those discussions. Try to make sure all siblings and family members are on the same page before bringing it to your parents attention. Having that support system during these difficult discussions will make it easier on everyone.

• Find an assisted living facility or nursing home that attracts you, as well as your parent or aging loved one. First you want to ensure it is a suitable fit for any health demands such as wheelchairs, the quality of care, etc. Once that is established, if you find that it meets your standards, you are more likely to visit your aging loved one. One major fear of seniors entering into a home is the fear of isolation and loneliness. It is important to maintain routine visits. Study shows that family interaction has very positive effect to one’s overall view on the quality of life.

• Although most assisted living facilities strive to provide an environment that is interactive, it doesn’t compare to the comfort of your family. If you live close by, give comfort to your aging loved one that you will still be around. The family strolls in the park, trips to their favorite restaurant and movie nights don’t have to end. They must know that just because their living space will be different, the bond that you share will not falter.

• Explain to them the weight that will be lifted off of their shoulders. All of those pesky tasks will be done for them. No more pulling of weeds in the garden or forgetting to buy soap while you were out. They can take more time to partake in activities they enjoy or to pick up a new hobby or interest.

5. Exercise

It is a known fact that daily exercise is important for overall health, but more specifically, it is important for seniors to practice exercise for mental health. Yes, exercise releases feel-good endorphins, but it doesn’t just stop there. Exercise works with the brain to promote healthy nerve cells, strengthens muscles to maintain self-reliance and can prevent or delay disease.

Diabetes, insomnia, dementia, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, autoimmune disease, stroke or any traumatic nerve damage are just a few who see results from routine exercise. Exercise can replace many medications. By alleviating pain that has resulted from nerve damage, exercise is a huge contributor to reducing inflammation.

Don’t be scared away by the word ‘exercise.’ Getting started is the most intimidating part. Everyone works at a different pace. If your ability lies with just walking around the block, it is absolutely better than no activity at all. There are many forms of exercise depending on each individual’s level of intensity. It is suggested that seniors aim for a total of 150 minutes of total exercise per week.   When breaking down exercises in segments, such as 10 minutes at one time, it is a lot easier to comply.

6. Interaction

Social interaction is so important for seniors, especially if your aging loved one has recently lost their significant other or child. At a greater risk for depression and social isolation, it is crucial that your aging loved one feel they are welcome and wanted in social outings. This will enhance their view on the quality of life. This could be as simple as watching a favorite show together and then talking it over or encouraging your parent to join the local book or card club.

Social clubs allow seniors to make new friends, set plans and goals, and gives them a sense of importance. The easiest way to find your place in society is pursuing something that you are passionate about. This could be traveling, joining a gym, volunteering at an animal shelter or local museum, to taking a class at the local community college. Do things to experience life, even if you are well into your older years.

7. Recognition

It is common for seniors to feel a loss of self-importance during the aging process. Sometimes it is the result of an illness or disability, the loss or autonomy- making decisions for themselves, or just feeling left out. Often times, old people feel that no one wants to deal with the burden of them, resulting in self-isolation.  Providing a close entourage will provide them with a sense of importance and raise their self esteem.

If your parent or aging loved one is still active in social settings including volunteering or still working, praise them for their contributions.  Let them know their efforts are not going unnoticed and they do make a difference. Their quality of life will be greatly impacted.

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Photo Credit: University of California 

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