Games and Activities to Exercise Your Brain

For seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia, participating in structured activities that exercise the brain is critical. Studies have shown that brain exercise can help reduce the negative symptoms of disease, build confidence, and help seniors feel more independent and secure. 

With the help of dedicated staff, senior living communities offer plenty of opportunities for daily activities. Here are a few games and activities that exercise the brain.

Puzzles

Puzzles are a staple activity for seniors experiencing issues with memory. For seniors early on in the disease progression, challenging puzzles can be a great tool to put the brain to the test. 

For seniors in memory care who are further along in their journey, simple tasks like matching shapes and colors exercise the brain in a healthy way that does not cause distress or frustration.

Trivia

Alzheimer’s and dementia present in very unpredictable ways. Sometimes seniors forget things like names and dates, but they can remember minute details about pop culture or history. 

Trivia is a good way to exercise the brain’s memory muscles and have fun while doing it. Trivia also presents an opportunity for social interaction in assisted living communities.

Word Games

Word games or word puzzles are a popular activity for seniors in memory care. While Alzheimer’s and dementia patients may forget things they’ve known their whole lives, they tend to remember skills like spelling and reading and can usually recall words during games. 

Word games are also one of the more versatile ways to exercise the brain because they can be played alone, in pairs, or in groups.

Brain Training Apps

With today’s technology, there’s no reason brain activities need to be limited to physical games and activities. There are a variety of brain training apps that are designed to test and exercise the brain. These apps present the training exercises in fun ways that feel like playing a game, so seniors will want to come back to it.

Arts and Crafts

Sometimes, exercising the brain can be as simple as working with art materials to create something new. Arts and crafts can cater to seniors of all abilities and can stimulate the creative side of their brains. Arts and crafts are a great way to pass the time, spend time with others, and explore new interests.

MorningStar of Parker

The assisted and independent living community at MorningStar of Parker aims to provide the very best that senior living has to offer. Our compassionate staff is dedicated to creating a loving and caring atmosphere alongside our resort-style amenities that make residents feel at home.

We provide seniors with memory challenges a comfortable environment in addition to the opportunity to participate in enriching activities that keep them engaged, motivated, and happy. Get in touch with us today to find out more about what we can offer you and your loved one.