Staying physically active is beneficial for people of all ages. It is particularly helpful for seniors with dementia. Physical activity helps people reduce stress, stay fit, and improve mental health. The journey of dementia becomes simpler with exercise as it improves the individual’s cognitive abilities and boosts self-confidence.
Physical exercise can also stimulate an individual’s brain and positively contribute to one’s cognitive abilities.
However, the only way to exercise isn’t by going for a jog. Here are some ways seniors with dementia can try to stay fit.
1. Participate in Group Activities
It can be challenging to feel motivated to exercise if a person is doing it alone. Living in a tight-knit care home providing dementia care in Toronto will allow the senior to socialize with other individuals. If several people collectively decide to take part in an activity, they can motivate each other.
In addition to physical activity, retirement homes specializing in dementia care are likely to help residents with memory-engaging activities. Keeping the seniors’ minds busy may improve their cognitive abilities or potentially slow down the progression of the disease.
2. Dance to Favorite Beats
Play your loved one’s favourite beats and help them relax! Dancing provides multiple health benefits for seniors, such as increased balance and strength, improved mood, and helps memory. A study in The New England Journal of Medicine found that dancing can reduce the onset of dementia. So, it is a suitable activity for seniors with memory issues.
3. Take Up a New Hobby
Help your loved ones find a hobby they enjoy. You can find some things they might like to do, make them try those activities out, and see if they enjoy any. It would be best if the hobbies include some physical activity, such as gardening, walking a pet, or joining a yoga class. When an individual takes up activity as a hobby, they feel more drawn towards it. It’s never too late to take up a new hobby!
4. Take time for Brain Exercises
Any individual with dementia needs more than just physical activity to stay fit. Participating in brain exercises will stimulate one’s brain and challenge their memory. Brain exercises enable the brain to stay active. Brain activity also supports the growth of new nerve cells while reducing damage to current cells.
Some brain exercises include learning something new, playing board games, online memory games, crosswords, and more. Anything that gets the brain juice flowing counts as a brain exercise.
5. Maintain a Healthy Diet
The food any person consumes has a role in their brain functions. Although following a diet won’t get rid of dementia, eating certain foods can help the brain function better. Eating certain foods can also reduce the risk of dementia in those who do not have dementia yet. Some foods attempt to fight off cognitive decline.
Practicing good nutrition also helps the body stay active and maintain a healthy weight, which is beneficial.
When an individual gets diagnosed with dementia, you cannot go back in time and change anything to prevent it. However, helping your loved ones stay fit will enable them to feel better, mentally and physically, and make the path smoother.