Volunteering For The Over
There is no reason why volunteering should only be reserved for young people. No matter how old an individual, or how capable they are, there are volunteering activities for everyone from reading with children, to caring for animals, and helping in charity shops. Not only does volunteering allow individuals to make a difference in the world it also changes them in surprising ways!
In addition to feelings of wellbeing, volunteering can reduce social isolation, and allow new skills to be developed. A quick search online will highlight just how many volunteering opportunities there are for older people.
Matching Games For Elderly: Designed For Ipad
Matching Games For Elderly is an app that involves finding the same memory games in grids. These are memory games that are designed to train memory ability, boost and exercise memory, and train the brain using one of the best pairing games ever.
This is a fun dinosaur game that is suitable for both adults and children and offers a fantastic method to improve memory.
The aim of this game involves matching the same cards. To achieve a high score, the pairs need to be matched as fast as possible . Memory Match is a highly addictive game that can keep a player engrossed for hours on end.
Features:
- Find pictures of the same dinosaurs in a grid, and the theme changes after each mission are completed.
- 8 difficult levels of animal memory games
- Multiple difficulty levels
- Turn the cards over to match up the pairs
Matching Games For Seniors 4+ Designed For Ipad
Matching Games For Seniors 4+ is one of the most enjoyable English Alphabet Matching Puzzle Games. It includes 600 addictive and challenging levels that increase in difficulty.
This app allows players to explore beautifully-designed layouts and enchanting fantasy lands.
Features:
- 600 levels of hand-crafted layouts
- Gets more challenging as you start leveling up
- 10 Fantasy lands to play with
- Players can use fun power-ups when they are faced with sticky situations
This app is designed to train the brain and improve concentration in an entertaining way.
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Spaced Retrieval Therapy Memory Training For Dementia & Brain Injury
The app, which costs $3.99, was developed by a company called Tactus Therapy Solutions Ltd. The app deals with the memory cells of the senior who has Dementia. It gives information to the patient and asks them to recall what had been said earlier to them after a specific time.
The time interval is first set at one minute, then two, four, etc. As time increases, the senior has to remember and recall what was said to them earlier. The twin objectives are to seal the information in their minds forever and improve their memory too. We have a separate article on the best dementia clocks.
How Do Games Help Dementia Patients
One of the most common symptoms suffered by dementia patients is isolation and pulling back from social settings. This is mainly due to the fear of being judged for their inability to perform daily tasks. This affects their communication skills with other people.
To help with this, patients could engage in games for dementia patients that are stage-specific and enhance their mental stimulation as well as sensory stimulation. It could help in improving brain health and allow dementia-affected patients to interact with other patients more easily.
Care providers for dementia patients can play games with them to help stimulate their cognitive function. Research shows that these game therapies have a better effect on the cognitive skills of dementia patients compared to other treatment procedures.
Games for dementia patients also help reduce stress and preserve memory-based skills that could help the patients in the long run.
Even though it is just a game, it really helps in keeping the patients positive and happy at the same time. It is very difficult for the loved ones of the patients to gradually see them lose their memory. Playing games for dementia patients can keep the environment cheerful and stress-free for everyone.
Read Also: Can You Have Dementia At 50
Stay Sharp In Older Age With Combined Physical And Mental Training
For older adults who are still active, dancing can be a healthy activity that also challenges the brain thanks to having to learn new steps and routines. Dancing is also a therapeutic pastime that can reduce social isolation, increase relaxation and decrease blood pressure. There are loads of dance classes specially tailored to older adults, and even chair dancing classes suited to those who are unable to stand.
Brain Activities For Seniors
Online brain games for seniors are pretty beneficial, but those are not the only way to support brain health. You can also benefit from suitable brain balancing exercises and activities.
Weve compiled the best brain activities for seniors that can be played on their own or with loved ones. These games for elderly can affect both their mind and mood positively.
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What To Avoid In Board Games For Dementia Patients
Playing certain board games is a great way to help dementia patients.
To keep things running smoothly and beneficial for your time with your loved one, and their well-being we suggest avoiding some types of board games. You should avoid:
So which board games and tabletop games are good for individuals with dementia? Here are our top 10.
Grow A Vegetable Or Flower Garden
Oftentimes, depression and dementia can go hand in hand, Fredette explains. Engaging those with dementia with hobbies from their past is helpful, because it gives them a sense of purpose, he says.
Longe agrees, adding, Gardening is a great activity for seniors with dementia because they can watch something come to fruition by planting it, watering it, caring for it and then, you have an end result. Plus, she notes that enjoying nature and soaking up a daily dose of vitamin D is beneficial mentally and physically.
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Chess To Boost Planning Skills In Older People
Chess has been around for centuries, but it is often overlooked as a game that can boost brain health and mental wellbeing. Chess is all about strategy, planning ahead and thinking outside the box – simply put, it is a great activity for those of all ages.
Some people may avoid chess, thinking that you have to be a genius to play, but that is not the case: amazingly, after just a few months of playing, chess can even help to boost your IQ. You can also play chess online, if alone or in need of brushing up on skills. A final benefit, which is especially helpful for older people who struggle with concentration, is that it can help to increase focus.
Do Some Painting And Drawing
Art has become an excellent medium for individuals to unleash their creativity, relax their whole being, and express themselves. Thus, making it one of the most effective activities for seniors with dementia.
Art activities, like painting and drawing, have the power to let the brain work, recall some memories, and bring back lost abilities and information.
For starters, looking at the color palette already makes the brain active. The same thing happens when your loved one thinks of a particular subject they want to draw or paint.
Boosting cognitive functions is just one of its many benefits. It also:
- Enhances motor and critical thinking skills.
- Promotes calmness and relaxation.
Also Check: How To Deal With Violent Dementia Patients
Dabble In Arts And Crafts
Another way to encourage your loved ones to express themselves through art is by doing crafty projects like scrapbooking, collage making, and playing with play dough.
These crafts are perfect for seniors not interested in either painting or drawing but who want to pursue an arts and crafts hobby.
Scrapbooking and collage making allows them to tap into their creative spirit using simple art techniques like cutting, arranging, and decorating.
Furthermore, some art activities can also enhance seniors tactile system , especially tasks that require them to use their hands.
Heighten Mental Skills With A Brain Training App
You can download brain training apps straight to a mobile or tablet to enable older people to train their brain whenever and wherever they want. These apps are useful to improve visual-spatial skills, problem solving and concentration.
There are a lot of apps available, ranging from really simple word-connection games to more complex apps with more than 60 different games and activities. Many of the apps are free and easy to use. A couple of great options include: Fit Brains Trainer and NeuroNation, but a quick search in an app store will show how many apps are available.
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The Best Brain Games For Seniors
There are limitless games for adults with dementia, but its important to find the games that meet your loved ones needs and interests. Keep reading to learn about the best mental exercises for seniors with dementia.
Crossword PuzzlesCrossword puzzles are available in book form and online. Depending on their cognitive abilities, your loved one may be able to complete one puzzle a week or even one per day. Thinking up solutions to the word clues can prompt memories and encourage skillful thinking.
LumosityLumosity is an online program that offers more than 60 cognitive games. This brain-training program provides games that focus on memory, problem-solving, speed, and flexibility.
While there is a free version of the game, there is a subscription-based version as well. The benefit, particularly for patients with dementia, with the subscription-based plan is the in-depth insights on performance.
BingoBingo may seem simple and common, but the game actually stimulates different senses, including hearing, touch, and sight. Players need to listen for the numbers being called, use pens or markers to mark the cards and understand the numbers on their cards.
Logic PuzzlesLogic puzzles help us with nontraditional, out-of-the-box thinking. Not only can they test a persons ability to use the information theyre given, but they can help create solid memories and solutions. Logic puzzles are useful for individuals with dementia because they enable lateral thinking.
Games To Adapt For People Living With Dementia
The following activities will hopefully give you some new ideas to add to your Activity Program to vitalize your clients with laughter, enjoyment, and socialization.
Jenga
Jenga is a wooden block stacking game promoting physical skills. Players build a tower and take turns removing a block from the tower and balancing it on top of tower, making it increasingly unstable. It is easy to set up and suits most people. The game finishes when the tower falls apart. Adapt the game according to the ability of clients e.g. make the tower shorter and faster to rebuild.
Qwirkle
Colourful game similar to dominos. The games rules are to match colours and shapes promoting tactical manoeuvres and planned strategies.
Say Anything
This game is an ideal way to socialise with new clients. It consists of a series of cards with questions and dry eraser boards on which to answer them. The questions are open-ended which means they express personal taste and interpretation, instead of being influenced by feelings. You may adapt the game to suit the needs of clients e.g. by having a designated person to write answers.
Vintage Spinning Tops
Many clients will remember them and will be pleased to wind them up and play as they once did in their youth. Try to get the traditional wooden ones with a short iron tip and string.
Quoits
Bean Bags
Charades
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Learn More About Caring For Your Loved One
A dementia diagnosis can be hard to cope with, which is why its crucial to ensure your loved one has access to the care they need to live a high-quality life for as long as possible.
While dementia is a progressive illness, the brain games for seniors discussed above can help your loved one slow down the progression of their symptoms. To learn more about caring for someone with dementia, . Weve also found the Alzheimers Association of Nebraska as a terrific resource for those families dealing with Alzheimers disease.
Talk With A Senior Living Advisor
Our advisors help 300,000 families each year find the right senior care for their loved ones.
These are a few great games to try:
- PlayShow Jepoardy: Perfect for fans of the beloved game show, this service allows you to compete against friends and past contestants through your smartphone. It even features actual TV episodes hosted by Alex Trebek.
- Smart Ass: Great for multiple people, this colorful trivia board game is quickly learned and features large game pieces and an easy-to-read design.
- Trivia for Seniors: This paperback book features 365 weird and funny facts to keep seniors laughing while they learn.
Is your loved one struggling with Alzheimers or another form of dementia? Do you feel like they need a higher level of assistance than you can provide as a caregiver? Discuss your familys needs and find out what type of care is best for your aging loved one with free advice from one of our Senior Living Advisors.
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Brain Games For The Elderly That Improve Mental Health And Memory
Memory games for elderly adults can be not only interesting and entertaining, but can also improve memory, daily life skills, and overall mental health.
Exercising the mind to keep it active is as important as maintaining physical fitness and strength in older age. Throughout our lives, our brain is responsible for keeping us happy, and, as we get older, mental health is often a major part of being able to live independently.
To ensure that the brain works as best as it can, the mind needs to be challenged every day. Thankfully, exercising the mind can be fun and easy to do thanks to quick games, tasks and activities that can be enjoyed anywhere and by anyone.
We have found 22 of the best, tried and tested, brain training games and activities that are especially suited for older people, and are sure to be fun and effective. Try them out and see what you, and your older friends, think!
Keeps Their Brains Sharp
When youre young, do you remember how your brain instantly throws data at you when you need them and thinks at rapid speed? As we age, we experience a decline in areas including but not limited to reaction time, processing speed, attention. While it is incorrect to say that brain fitness heals or prevents such problems, it can help to slow the rate of cognitive decline.
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Sensory Activities For People With Dementia
Take A Trip Down Memory Lane
Studies suggest that people with dementia can strongly recall long-term memories than recent events. This means that you can maximize this ability by reminiscing the good ole days of your loved one through several activities like:
- Making a scrapbook or collage with old photos and events triggers good memories to resurface.
- Watching past videos of special events together.
- Interviewing your loved one about their past life.
- Initiating a conversation about their favorites things
Recalling memories allow seniors to exercise their brain and keep it active. It is also an excellent way to build self-confidence and develop a hopeful heart about their situation.
Plus, engaging in a conversation lets seniors improve their communication skills and develop a much healthier relationship with loved ones.
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It Is An Important Source Of Socialisation And Interaction
Regular socialisation with fellow peers and participating in engaging activities can help seniors keep their minds sharp as they go through this vital transition in their lives. Many persons with dementia experience loneliness and social isolation, which can damage ones health as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
The interaction through playing games with friends strengthens a persons sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness. The process of interacting with other seniors, regardless of whether they have dementia or not, can stimulate a sense of personal worth and improve the overall quality of life of an elderly.
Fun Board And Trivia Games
Besides physical activities, seniors can also try engaging in creative and mind-stimulating games, such as board games and trivia.
Before picking a board game, make sure to gauge your loved ones abilities first, then choose a game suitable to their level and dementia stage. Challenging and complex games will just frustrate them even more, which can affect their self-confidence.
Try starting with simple ones like Snake and Ladders and Ludo. You can also include card games like UNO or an interactive one like charades.
Also Check: How To Prevent Dementia And Memory Loss