Effective Memory Activities For Seniors

By Paul Edwards


A bit of memory loss (amnesia) is a common feature of advancing age. Affected persons tend to struggle with recalling recent events but their long term memory is largely intact. In the modern world where virtually all important information is protected by secret PINs and passwords, this presents a major challenge for many seniors. Fortunately, there are a number of Memory activities for seniors to take part in and improve their ability to recall vital information.

The use of puzzles to deal with recall lapses has been in use for many years. Crossword puzzles are particularly useful and may involve words or numbers. There is a need to start engaging in solving the puzzles as soon as possible before the problem begins setting in. Most puzzles require logic rather than intelligence in solving hence can be done by most people of average intelligence.

Sensory stimulation is a strategy that keeps all the major senses engaged. It entails making a deliberate effort to engage all the five senses with the aim of maintaining neural connections. To keep the sense of hearing engaged, for example, one may listen to some beautiful music on a regular basis. Tasting a delicious meal will an engage the sense of taste. And an attractive seen maintains visual pathways.

Board games are both entertaining and memory stimulating. The most common are draughts (checkers) and chess. To win these games, one must recall the move made by their opponents and anticipate where they are likely to play next. In this regard, they also aid in maintaining cognitive ability. Fortunately, there are many android apps with such games which means that a human opponent is not necessary every time.

Simple as it sounds, regular reading is an important exercise for enhancing memory. It is especially useful for what is referred to as word recall. Materials that may be read are many and varied. Historical information than the senior is familiar with is likely to be more useful as it will help trigger memories of what they have always known. Frequency of reading rather than volumes read should be emphasized.

It should be emphasized that seniors should strive to keep learning as long as they are still alive. Learning something new is it just exciting but it puts a recall strain on the brain which ultimately serves to preserve the memory. Once a new skill has been acquired one has to keep remembering it so that they can keep it to use from time to time. New skills may include, for example, learning an instrument, learning how to cook and even attempting a new language.

It is important to take care of physical health even as one strives to maintain memory. Regular exercise goes a long way in maintaining circulation in the brain and keeping the brain healthy. Exercises that are recommended may include jogging, brisk walking and cycling. It is necessary that one also lays emphasis on a proper diet.

Amnesia is a very common problem among the elderly. The severity shows inter-individual variability with some people displaying more severe symptoms compared to others. In some persons symptoms are exacerbated by the presence of some medical conditions such as Alzheimer disease. Remaining active throughout keeps this problem in check.




About the Author: