5 Activities To Keep The Body and Mind Healthy
5 Activities To Keep The Body and Mind Healthy
Why do some older adults feel good and stay active into their senior years, but others age much more rapidly? There are a variety of factors that contribute to a senior’s well-being such as physical activity, cognitive function, and social interaction.
Many studies show the correlation between physical activity and increased mental cognition. It is important to use the body and mind in order to keep both from weakening as we age. What you do in your younger years to strengthen your body and mind will affect how you feel as you age. Think about what you can do to increase those chances.
But what about a loved one who is already in their senior years? At any age, there are activities that are healthy for the body and mind; keeping the brain active, involving social interaction and 
having fun!
Here are 5 activities that can keep your body and mind healthy:
- Walking: a brisk 30-minute walk strengthens your heart and burns calories. Physical activity can also help increase mental cognition.
- Story Telling: seniors who use their imaginations instead of trying to use their memory can improve their mood, communication and social interactions.
Arts & Crafts: more seniors are discovering the rewards of finding a new hobby or rediscovering a pleasurable craft from their past.- Games: whether card or board games, crossword or jigsaw puzzles, playing games may help prevent dementia by exercising one’s mind.
- Gardening: Planting flowers and veggies in a raised flower bed is a purposeful activity.
Watching the flowers grow and eating the veggies provides a sense of accomplishment.
Keep your body and mind healthy!
Whether you are a boomer or a millennial, keeping your mind and body healthy should be something you work on regularly. There are plenty of activities for all ages and levels of physical or mental capacity. You just have to start!
Regardless of our Members’ physical or mental capacity, they are able to socialize, verbalize, improvise, evangelize, visualize, exercise, have fun, and a host of other activities to provide mental and physical stimulation. We incorporate exercise, games and music into our daily activities with our Members.
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Plant a tree. This might not be something your senior loved ones can do themselves, but they can still be involved. Find out what their favorite tree is (hopefully something that grows well in your zone). If they still live in their own home, find a spot to plant a tree, even a little one, where they can see it. Maybe they could help water it from time to time. They can take pride in seeing something grow and live on for a long time, knowing that they were involved with its growth. If they live in a community where you cannot do this, maybe you can plant their tree by your house. When they come over to see you, point out the tree they that picked out – their ‘favorite’ tree.
Hummus and Veggies. If you can make your own hummus, that’s even better, but store-bought is good too. There is less fat than dairy-based dips. Add some fresh veggies like snap peas, sweet peppers, carrots, cukes, celery or broccoli with it and you will have a tasty snack that will fill you up.
Apple Slices with Almond Butter. If you want sweet and salty at the same time, try slicing an apple and add some almond butter to it. It is delish! Fun tip: make little boats with the apple slices, and use a slice of cheese on a toothpick for the sail. Yummy! We did this on Talk Like a Pirate Day!
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