We've all heard the expression, "use it or lose it".
Well there is truth to the old adage, especially when it comes to seniors' care and their mental health.
Research has shown a correlation between mind stimulating games and a senior's mind age.
In fact, research published from a study in Sydney Australia showed that people with a high brain reserve (from factors as a history of mental activity, education and mentally stimulating occupations) have a 46% decrease risk of dementia.
Additionally, this study found that there were positive benefits even to those who increased mental activity late in life.
Seniors sometimes find it difficult to stay mentally stimulated.
The death of a spouse, living alone, or living far from family are common factors to elderly isolation.
The New England Journal of Medicine published findings from a 2003 study that found people were less likely to develop dementia if they participated in activities such a crossword puzzles, board games, reading, or playing a musical instrument, compared to those who rarely participated in such activities.
As our senior population ages and needs assistance such as personal home care, families are encouraged to look for a home health agency that takes a multi-faceted approach to providing senior care.
While it's important to have qualified, reliable assistance with personal care needs, it can be just as beneficial to have a caregiver that is also focused on the mental health needs of seniors.
Finding a caregiver that not only provides personal care, but also companionship, and encouragement to participate in mind stimulating activities such a computer games, puzzles, video games and music is the key to addressing the overall health and well-being of our senior population.
This will improve mental health and keep aging minds young.