 | Carla Shepherd owns the Right at Home franchise in Wichita. Right At HOme is a licensed Home Health Agency providing In-Home Care for individuals needing assistance to remain in their home. Carla is a former manager with Via Christi Health Services with over 20 years of health care experience. Also a Member of the National Privacy Duty Association. You can visit Carla at Right at Home, located at 7438 W. 21st St, Suite 123 in West Wichita. Call (316) 721- 6001, e-mail cjshep@ rah.kscoxmail.com or visit the website at www.rightathome.net/wichita |
Senior Living
1969-12-31 18:00:00
Stay sharp after retirement
QUESTION: My father has recently retired after a very demanding career, which never allowed him time to pursue hobbies. Now he has nothing to do and I'm worried about him staying "sharp". How can I convince him that "you’re never too old" to learn?
ANSWER: The theory of "use it or lose it" when it comes to your brain is popular among senior health experts, and several recent studies support the idea. Among the more effective means of keeping one's mind sharp are acquiring additional skills or exploring new hobbies. The start of the New Year can provide just the motivation to try different activities and preserve their memories.For many seniors, now is the perfect time to pursue the interests they previously never had time for. More importantly, learning something new can help improve memory and how well the brain functions. Scientists have found that seniors who constantly stimulate their minds by reading, playing music, and enjoying board games had lower rates of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. In general, seniors who make the effort to keep learning tend to retain more of their mental abilities as they age. Beginning a hobby or taking a class to learn something new is great ways for seniors to keep sharp. Computers, dancing, cooking, musical instruments and photography are popular options. Activities involving language and music are especially beneficial. Recent research has indicated that people fluent in more than one language and those who devoted time to cultural interests performed better on demanding memory tasks. Seniors can take advantage of discounts at local museums and galleries, or explore different musical genres by borrowing some music from their family and friends or their local libraries.Other important aspects of maintaining mental function are companionship and physical activity. Interacting with others offers powerful mental stimulation, while exercise can help keep your brain physically healthy. Why not combine them both? Walking with a friend or caregiver, volunteering with young people, or participating in low-impact sports all contribute to improved memory.Whatever new activities seniors pursue in 2005, they should remember that with every learning experience comes the opportunity to improve their minds and preserve their memories.
