Can You Use Back to School Time to Help The Elderly?
If you have a child, then this time of the year is probably a whirlwind of school supply bargains, class schedules and healthy lunch ideas. You are thinking about sharpening pencils and sharpening young minds.
But are you missing a great opportunity to help your elderly loved one sharpen their mind? Earlier this year, I wrote an article about how Montessori Methods are being employed to improve dementia. Your elder doesn't have to buy a back pack to get the most out of the school year. You can help improve brain function and memory at home with these simple tips..,
Learn Something New Everyday
Not only is this beneficial for the elderly, it improves everyone's chances of delaying the disease. Don't let hereditary factors win. Instead of merely visiting and reminiscing with the elderly, take up the challenge to learn something new together.
- A new language
- A new game (especially thinking games, such as chess)
- A new craft or hobby
- A interesting fact
Take advantage of back-to-school sales and buy a few notebooks and pens. Pick a country, an animal, a period of history...anything! Research and make simple notes or notecards. Challenge each other to a memory game, or your own homemade version of Trivial Pursuit.
Here is a fun activity the whole family can enjoy. Watch a historical film. Then research the real story to see how many things the movie got right or wrong. Any film "based on a true story" can work for this. Not only does this help historical facts "stick" better in everyone's heads, it can lead to some open discussions that everyone can take part in.
Take Field Trips
If your loved one is capable, why not explore some educational venues? Museums often have senior discounts, and you are welcome to bring wheelchairs and other ambulatory aids.
While the weather is fair, take a nature hike. Visit outdoor attractions and historical landmarks.
Before any trip, research what you might find and set out to discover it. You can tailor this challenge to suit the needs and abilities of your loved one.
Arrange Story Hour
This oh-so important part of school can be fun and educational for both you and your loved one. You can set aside just 20 minutes a day to read from any book. After the session, discuss what was read. Again, tailor the discussion for your loved one. For those without dementia, discuss style, plot, character, etc. For someone with dementia, ask simple questions, or simply state how you felt about that particular chapter.
Explore Arts and Crafts Again
Hands-on arts and crafts can help the elderly in many ways. So many brain and body benefits--from decision making to fine motor skills. More complex crafts involving counting, patterns, and measurements can aid can keep math skills sharp, too.
Check out sites like Pinterest for craft ideas. Almost any craft can be done with help and/or supervision. So stock up on some paints, scissors, glitter glue, paper, rulers, markers, and brushes!
Don't Neglect Puzzles and Games
Anything from jigsaw puzzles to Sudoku will work. You can even incorporate mazes or simple puzzles such as connect the dots and match games. Anything that stimulates the brain has been shown to delay the onset of dementia, as well as to slow its progress in those already affected.
Board games can help too, especially the thinking games. Chess, checkers and other strategy games require a lot of brain power. Games like Monopoly keep those decision making skills and math skills honed.
A computer can be a valuable tool for the elderly as well. There is no limit to the knowledge is exposed to online. Plus, there are many different games available for free that are fun and helpful. Video games are another way to pump up some fun and keep the brain strong. Just learning how to play a new video game or work the controllers is exercise for the grey matter.
Play, Play, Play!
Don't be boring. Just like no kid likes a school day that has no fun activities, adults can get equally bored if everything is too tedious. Let learning come naturally and make it fun. Remember, you are trying to help your loved one, not bore him or her to tears!
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