Schedule practice time. Don't focus on the amount of time you practice at first, but rather aim for consistency. Devote what time you can, but be firm with your commitment. Schedule it and do it. In 1999 after 8 months of struggling with low grade fevers, increasing fatigue, sleep disturbances and galloping muscle pain I was diagnosed with an overlap of Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. We help our clients live life to the fullest. Mental health challenges can significantly impact a person’s ability to carry out everyday activities. Everyone is unique in what difficulties they experience, but some common areas of difficulty include how to manage emotions. For many, jigsaw puzzles may be the first brain training game that we play. However, as we age, we may forget how effective jigsaw puzzles are at stimulating the mind. Another benefit of puzzles is that they can help older people relax, by reducing blood pressure and slowing breathing rate. Some even see jigsaw puzzles as a kind of meditation – ideal for older people with busy minds. 7. Tasks to boost memory and attention for older people

A brain training activity doesn't always have to be exercise-related. Much research has found that creative outlets like painting and other art forms, learning an instrument, doing expressive or autobiographical writing, and learning a language also can improve cognitive function. A 2014 study in Gerontologist reviewed 31 studies that focused on how these specific endeavors affected older adults' mental skills and found that all of them improved several aspects of memory like recalling instructions and processing speed. Prep your brain Jonaitis, E., et al.(2013). Cognitive activities and cognitive performance in middle-aged adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Fissler P, et al. (2018). Jigsaw puzzling taps multiple cognitive abilities and is a potential protective factor for cognitive aging. DOI:

Exercise Your Brain

Strong painkillers meant he was unable to focus for more than two hours at a time, while he suffered further symptoms including mood swings and fatigue. Logic puzzles are ideal for older people since they enable lateral thinking and can help to fire up neural pathways that have likely been dormant since retiring. You can find logic puzzle books online, or in most good book stores, but below is an example to get you started: Peak is the fun, free brain training workout designed around you. Peak uses brain games and puzzles to challenge memory, language and critical thinking to keep your mind active. Chess has been around for centuries, but it is often overlooked as a game that can boost brain health and mental wellbeing. Chess is all about strategy, planning ahead and thinking outside the box – simply put, it is a great activity for those of all ages.

At Home Instead, we can help you find care in your local area. Whether you need hourly or live-in care, we will help you to find a Care Professional suited to your needs.Xie, H., et al. (2019). Tai chi chuan exercise related change in brain function as assessed by functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Practicing a new and challenging activity is a good bet for building and maintaining cognitive skills.