USING BRAIN BOOSTERS & FITNESS TO COMBAT ALZHEIMER’S
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be devastating, both for the patient and their family, who often don’t know how to help. However, staying physically and mentally active can help people living with Alzheimer’s preserve their independence for longer. Here are some effective activities to keep your loved one in shape.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, physical exercise can help slow the disease’s progression. In addition, since physical activity helps reduce stress and improve mood, it’s helpful even when the disease is more advanced.
There are many ways to keep your loved one active. Invite them to take a walk with you or encourage them to do some simple yard work. They can also join an exercise class offered at their residence or try to follow along with a yoga program on television.
Many of our activities are also inclusive or can be adapted to accommodate seniors with reduced mobility or who rely on mobility aids such as a wheelchair or walker.
Here are just a few examples of some of our on-site physical programming:
- Walking club
- Gardening club
- Seated exercise program
- Swimming, water aerobics or Aquacise
- Bus trips and unique excursions
- Group activities such as line dancing, billiards or tai chi
MENTAL STIMULATION
Staying cognitively and socially active keeps the mind engaged and may help to slow down Alzheimer’s symptoms. Here are a few ideas for how to do this, all of which can be adapted to suit your needs.
- Read a book or join a book club
- Play a board game or card game
- Learn a new hobby or craft
- Assemble a puzzle by yourself or with others
- Join a pet therapy or music therapy program
- Attend a seminar or lecture
- Sensory/reminiscing groups
- Complete a brain booster such as a crossword puzzle or Sudoku
REMINDERS OF THE PAST
People with Alzheimer’s often have an easier time remembering distant events than those that happened more recently. Triggering memories from their lives can improve their mood and make it easier to engage them in conversation. We recently gathered some helpful advice for those visiting a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s and some tips to help you improve your communication methods.
Try talking about the past while looking at old photos or family videos or take them somewhere that may spark happy memories, like the house they grew up in or the place they got married. This is doubly beneficial because it’s an excuse for an outing. Listening to music they enjoy can also help. Studies have shown that music can have a positive impact on seniors living with Alzheimer’s.
Read more about the positive impact of Music and Memories in our blog.
PROUD SUPPORTER & SPONSOR OF THE ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Retirement Concepts is proud to be affiliated with the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia. In partnership with them and the Pacific National Exhibition Fair, we’re happy to acknowledge outstanding seniors in our area with the Extraordinary Senior Award. Our seniors are often unsung heroes and we want to take the time to pay them to respect and recognition they deserve.
RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES IN BC, ALBERTA AND QUEBEC
If you or a loved one is ready to move into a retirement community or is looking for senior assisted living or senior complex care residences, choose one of our communities closest to you! Many of our residences also offer specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care programs for people who need it.
To speak with one of our Community Relations Managers today, please find the community location closest to you! We’ll be happy to meet you for a complimentary lunch at one of our on-site bistros and take you on a free tour!