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Intellectual Wellness Activities for Seniors in Vineland, NJ
Did you know that, as you age, you have a greater risk of developing cognitive impairment? The Mayo Clinic reports that cognitive impairment is the stage between typical brain functioning and dementia.
For seniors in Vineland, NJ, maintaining cognitive health is vital for preventing decline and the emergence of dementia. So, what can you do to ensure your brain is in top shape?
The answer lies in intellectual wellness activities, or activities that specifically stimulate different parts of your brain to encourage learning and critical thinking. Read on to learn about how brain games for seniors and lifelong learning programs can contribute to your intellectual wellness.
Regular Exercise
Physical wellness can have a huge impact on mental wellness and cognitive health. Working out on a regular basis is good for both your mind and body.
According to Verywell Fit, seniors aged 65 and older should aim for 150 minutes of exerciseper week. You can split that time up however you'd like; for many seniors, five days with 30-minute workouts present the opportunity for consistency, but remember to incorporate rest days as well.
As a senior, you must be mindful of your body's limitations when exercising. Although pushing yourself can be positive in terms of building endurance and stamina, too much can lead to damage and worsen other conditions.
Some of the best exercise activities for seniors include:
- Swimming
- Water aerobics
- Zumba
- Barre
- Yoga
- Tai-Chi
- Walking
- Hiking
- Stationary cycling
- Group exercise classes
Exercise produces endorphins, colloquially known as "runner's high," which promote better cognitive well-being. It's also been shown to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is important for both cognitive function and neuroplasticity, according to a study conducted by Sleiman et al.
Exercising with others has numerous benefits; however, there are also advantages to exercising at home. Sites like YouTube and streaming platforms offer thousands of workouts that you can complete from the comfort of your own space.
Reading
Reading is one of the simplest, yet most advantageous, methods to stave off cognitive decline and promote intellectual wellness. Picking up a book for a few minutes every day offers numerous benefits, such as:
- Increased vocabulary
- Better focus
- Learning about new subjects
- Enrichment through engaging stories
- Increased empathy
- Contributes to better sleep habits
Reading is also a fantastic way to replace harmful habits, such as excessive screen time. Instead of scrolling through social media before bed, try reading a few pages from a book or magazine.
Playing Games
Keeping your brain sharp in your senior years doesn't have to be boring. Many games can help you stay intellectually stimulated, as well as provide entertainment.
For instance, if you enjoy crossword puzzles, consider buying a crossword book or downloading an app for your phone. Usually, there are a variety of puzzles available that are tailored to different difficulty levels.
Sudoku is another stimulating puzzle game that provides intellectual enrichment. The puzzle involves filling in nine squares, rows, and columns with the numbers one through nine. The catch is that numbers can't repeat within the same row, column, or square.
Easier Sudoku puzzles have more numbers filled in at the start, making it easier for players to deduce where the missing numbers belong. Harder puzzles often involve more complex layers of logical thinking to determine the correct placement. You may have to consider multiple options for a square before filling in the right answer.
Socializing With Others
The simple act of socialization can have many benefits for your intellectual well-being. While social media is an excellent tool for connecting online, there's no substitute for forming vital in-person connections.
Try to find others with similar hobbies or passions in your senior living community. Attend activities that pique your interest and introduce yourself to fellow residents. You may find a new group to see regularly, or even foster valuable friendships.
With loneliness and isolation being a common issue amongst seniors, socialization is more important than ever. Talking to others activates different parts of your brain and stimulates healthier brain activity.
It's also essential to make and stick to social commitments. Although spur-of-the-moment activities can be engaging, regular interactions will help you thrive in your new senior living lifestyle.
Outdoor Excursions
Even a few minutes of intentional outdoor time every day can do wonders for your mental health. The sun provides Vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health, among other functions.
Getting outside is also an easy way to exercise. Walk your dog at a local park or take a stroll with your friends and catch up on your lives.
Spending time outdoors provides numerous tangible benefits, such as:
- Lowered stress levels
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Increased endorphins
- Improved cognitive function
- A sense of connection with nature
Taking Classes or Seminars
Learning doesn't have to stop when you leave the workplace or your children are out on their own. Lifelong learning can help you maintain independence and inspire you to apply skills and knowledge to your everyday life.
With the internet, it is easier than ever to learn from anywhere, including your own home. Many colleges and universities offer lecture and video series that you can access for free online.
These types of courses can help you:
- Stay mentally sharp
- Acquire new knowledge
- Potentially make friends with common interests
Senior education in Vineland is easier than ever, with options such as Rowan College of South Jersey, which offers an audit option for courses.
Improve Your Quality of Life With Intellectual Wellness Activities
If you want a healthy and active lifestyle in retirement, consider integrating intellectual wellness activities into your regimen. With this guide, you can create a list of enrichment activities for cognitive wellness support.
We are considered the "Best Retirement Community in Vineland, NJ" for several reasons, including our dedicated staff and plethora of amenities. We offer perks such as various floor plans, ample closet space, and accommodation for your pets.
Are you ready to transition to senior living at Baker Place Assisted Living? Reach out to us today to learn more, or visit our stunning community in Vineland, NJ, to view it in person. We can't wait to meet you!