Mind Games Vital to Seniors' Care

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