{"id":1294,"date":"2020-11-19T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-11-19T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cherishedagency.com\/4-practical-ways-to-support-senior-mental-fitness-during-covid-19\/"},"modified":"2022-11-14T09:05:34","modified_gmt":"2022-11-14T09:05:34","slug":"4-practical-ways-to-support-senior-mental-fitness-during-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cherishedagency.com\/4-practical-ways-to-support-senior-mental-fitness-during-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Practical Ways to Support Senior Mental Fitness During Covid-19"},"content":{"rendered":"
Covid-19 has placed seniors and their families in a unique predicament. Because older people are at higher risk of developing serious complications if they get the coronavirus, they have had to limit contact with family and friends. While this is important for health and safety, it has also taken away many of their options for social interaction and mental stimulation. <\/p>\n
The unfortunate consequence is that elderly people may not be getting the mental exercise they need to keep their brains alert and engaged, and that could be a risk factor for dementia. However, there are some things you can do to help your loved one lower that risk. One study found<\/span><\/a> that people can reduce their risk of cognitive impairment by 60% simply by participating in specific healthy behaviors like eating nutritious meals and exercising regularly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, seniors also need to challenge their brains in order to stay mentally fit.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what you can do to help. <\/p>\n Mental fitness takes more than doing the Sunday crossword puzzle every week. It may come as a surprise to learn that a physically healthy body is one of the most important keys to supporting brain health. That\u2019s why it is important to take a whole-body health approach to mental fitness in addition to traditional brain activities, especially if your loved one is isolated due to Covid-19. <\/p>\n Even if you can\u2019t visit your elderly family member because of health restrictions, you can help him or her to create a routine that prioritizes the following keys to mental fitness:<\/p>\n Staying mentally fit requires daily effort. Just as seniors will lose strength and mobility if they don\u2019t exercise their muscles, they will also lose mental acuity if they don\u2019t exercise their brains. Fortunately, keeping your brain sharp can be a lot of fun! Here are six ways you can help your loved one stay mentally active. <\/p>\n Even if you are unable to visit your loved one in person due to Covid-19 or other limitations, you can still help them stay mentally healthy and sharp by staying connected. Encourage them to participate in as many brain-health activities as possible, and help them interact with friends and loved ones through technology. <\/p>\n In-home care can also be a great help to seniors who need extra assistance or companionship. At Cherished Companions, our caregivers go above and beyond to ensure that your senior loved ones receive the highest quality care while also taking every precaution to protect them from the risk of Covid-19. Caregivers will work closely with your family to provide the support your loved one needs. <\/p>\n For further questions, to request resources, or to inquire about getting or becoming a caregiver, contact Cherished Companions<\/a> today through our website or call us at (440) 484-5390<\/a>!<\/p>\n {{cta(‘fe910a87-234b-4766-b94f-7bb6859b126e’,’justifycenter’)}}<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Covid-19 has placed seniors and their families in a unique predicament. Because older people are at higher risk of developing serious complications if they get the coronavirus, they have had to limit contact with family and friends. While this is important for health and safety, it has also taken away many of their options for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1295,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n4 Keys to Senior Mental Fitness<\/h2>\n
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<\/strong>Seniors need mental stimulation just as much as they need physical care. Challenging the brain to learn something new, solve a puzzle, or do something creative can help keep your loved one sharp.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
As the research above suggests, physical activity is one of the best ways to support optimal brain health. The CDC recommends<\/span><\/a> that people over the age of 65 with no limiting health conditions should aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day at least five days each week (with a doctor\u2019s approval). Those with health conditions or physical limitations should talk to their doctor about developing a safe and effective exercise routine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
<\/strong>Feeding your brain properly is an essential part of keeping it fit and healthy. That generally means eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and healthy protein. Your loved one\u2019s specific nutritional needs will be influenced by a variety of factors, including any related health conditions they may have.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Perhaps the most difficult thing to do during the era of Covid-19 is to maintain a healthy social life for seniors who can\u2019t get out and about. Still, social connections are vital to your loved one\u2019s emotional wellbeing<\/span><\/a>. If your family member does not have a smartphone or tablet, considering purchasing one and teaching him or her how to use it. Technology can open up a world of connection, including video chats with friends, family, and grandchildren, phone calls, social media platforms, and more. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPractical Ways Seniors Can Keep Their Brains Sharp<\/h2>\n
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