Keeping the mind active: Dorothy’s story and our tips for older adults

At Home Instead in Wandsworth, Lambeth, and Dulwich, we enjoy visiting our clients in their own homes, and see real-life examples of living well in later life. Emphasising the importance of keeping the mind active for older adults, our client’s story is just one wonderful example of how engaging in daily mentally stimulating activities can benefit both mind and soul.

For confidentiality, we’ve changed our client’s name to Dorothy.

Here are a few ideas of how we can all keep our minds active!

How do I exercise my brain daily?

Keeping your brain active doesn’t require complex routines or expensive tools. Here are some simple and effective ways to stay mentally engaged:

1. Puzzles

Engaging in different types of puzzles can provide a fun and stimulating challenge each day:

   – Jigsaw puzzles: Choose themes that captivate you, such as local scenes, wildlife, or history.

   – Sudoku: A number puzzle that sharpens logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

   – Crosswords: Enhance vocabulary, memory, and general knowledge.

   – Wordle: A daily word challenge that exercises vocabulary and strategic thinking.

   – Matching card games: Improve memory and concentration by matching pairs of cards.

   – Logic puzzles: Such as brain teasers and riddles, which encourage creative thinking.

2. Read regularly

Reading books, magazines, or even online articles keeps your brain engaged. Explore bestseller lists or visit your local library to find new or old favourites.

3. Add social engagement

Join a book club or play games with friends and family. Activities like library-hosted events, Chess, Bridge and Scrabble clubs can also encourage social interaction, which is so important for our mental health.

4. Learn something new

Try a new hobby like knitting, painting, or learning a language. New skills challenge the mind and provide a sense of accomplishment. Local groups like the U3A offer peer-led activities and learning opportunities, or for those who are internet savvy, try the app Duolingo for a daily lesson in another language.

How to stay mentally active

To summarise, here are some ideas to incorporate a variety of mentally stimulating activities into your daily or weekly routine:

– Explore different puzzles: Enjoy a mix of jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, crosswords, Wordle, matching card games, and logic puzzles to keep your brain engaged and challenged.

– Card and board games: Games like bridge, chess, Scrabble, or matching card games offer both entertainment and mental stimulation, particularly when played with friends or family. They help improve memory, strategy, and social skills.

– Mindful activities: Try meditation or mindfulness exercises to enhance focus and clarity. Mindfulness apps, CDs and guided sessions can help improve attention and reduce stress.

– Physical exercise: Regular physical activity, like a walk in one of our local parks or gentle stretches, boost blood flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive function and overall well-being.

– Music and dance: Learning or continuing to play a musical instrument or joining a dance class. Both activities stimulate different areas of the brain and are known to improve memory and coordination. Music therapy is even recognised as beneficial for those living with dementia.

– Gardening: Engaging in gardening, including pots and window boxes, can be therapeutic and mentally stimulating, offering opportunities for planning, problem-solving, and connecting with nature.