According to the National Library of Medicine, about two in three Americans experience some level of cognitive impairment at an average age of 70. About a third of Americans age 85 and up have Alzheimer’s (the most common cause of pathological cognitive decline). It’s the sixth-leading cause of death in the US.
While cognitive decline can feel overwhelming, living in a senior living community may help. You can maintain your cognitive health through lifelong learning, social engagement, and more.
How exactly can these communities provide cognitive stimulation? Read on to find out!
Social Engagement
According to the National Institutes of Health, severe loneliness in adults ages 65 and over ranges between 2 and 16%. About 32% of seniors feel lonely at any given time. Meanwhile, individuals with strong social ties have a 50% higher likelihood of survival compared to those with poor social networks.
Social engagement with other seniors can benefit your:
- Mental health (reducing stress, anxiety, and depression)
- Cognitive health (including recall)
- Emotional health (through support, empathy, and advice)
- Sense of belonging
- Self-esteem
- Physical health
Living in a senior living community will surround you with other seniors, allowing you to forge strong social connections. Connecting with others can improve your quality of life, health, and longevity.
You’ll find numerous opportunities to build new friendships. Consider joining a support group, fitness class, or attending happy hours. Other activities may include:
- Gardening club
- Cooking classes
- Music lessons
- Dance lessons
- Arts and crafts
- Workshops
- Music screenings
- Hiking
- Theater
- Art classes
- Walking groups
- Birdwatching
- Book club
You can find engaging events through your senior living community’s activities calendar. Surround yourself with like-minded people to discover a sense of belonging.
Engaging with others can reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Otherwise, social isolation can increase your risk of depression.
Lifelong Learning
Living in a senior living community can give you access to educational opportunities and classes. You can discover new passions or reignite old interests.
Consider joining a class at your local community college. Attending courses with friends can boost your social engagement. Learning new things can boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Playing brain games can keep your mind active and sharp. These can include:
- Card games
- Sudoku
- Crossword puzzles
- Memory card games
- Chess
- Word searches
Healthy Eating Programs
Your senior living community’s dining program can give you access to healthy, nutritious meals. For a balanced diet, your meals should include:
- Healthy fats
- Colorful fruits and vegetables
- Lean meats
- Whole grains
Meal planning can be time-consuming and stressful. Living in a senior living community can make eating healthy easier. You can discover nutritious meals without worrying about meal planning and cooking.
Consult a nutritionist or healthcare provider before making changes to your diet. They can make recommendations based on your specific nutritional needs. A doctor may recommend supplements to help you avoid vitamin deficiencies.
Exercise Programs
According to the Centers for Disease Control, regular physical activity can:
- Improve your sleep quality
- Reduce feelings of anxiety
- Lower your blood pressure
- Reduce your risk of developing dementia
- Reduce your risk of depression
- Lower your risk of heart disease and stroke
- Lower your risk of type 2 diabetes
- Improve bone health
- Reduce your risk of falling
- Help you live independently longer
- Lower your risk of cancer
- Reduces your risk of weight gain
Explore your senior living community’s wellness program to discover activities that will help you remain physically active. Keep an open mind and try new fitness classes. Participating with friends can provide physical and cognitive stimulation.
These exercise programs may include:
- Yoga
- Zumba
- Walking
- Aerobics
- Pilates
- Physical training
- Cycle
- Dance cardio
- Chair cardio
- Swimming
- Tai chi
Tai chi can improve your balance and stability, which may reduce your risk of falls. It can increase your flexibility and range of motion by stretching and strengthening muscles. These exercises can improve your mood and enhance cognitive function.
Meditation
Consider pairing physical exercise with meditation and mindfulness practices.
Meditation may:
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduce anxiety
- Reduce depression
- Increase compassion
- Reduce pain
- Increase emotional regulation
- Shorten the time it takes to fall asleep
- Improve sleep quality
- Decrease stress
- Improve memory and attention span
Reducing stress levels can have physical health benefits. For example, high blood pressure is associated with stroke, heart attack, and other conditions. Stress-relieving activities can lower your blood pressure, reducing your risk.
Stress and gastrointestinal disorders are connected. Meditating may lower inflammation in your gut. This could relax your digestive system, reducing symptoms like diarrhea and chronic constipation.
Chronic stress can affect your immune health. Maintaining a strong immune system may protect you from illnesses.
Living in a senior living community can reduce your stress. You won’t have to worry about the stressful task of maintaining a home. Instead, you can focus on your health and well-being.
Stress-relieving activities can improve your mood and quality of life. Consider journaling, using deep breathing exercises, or exploring aromatherapy.
Personalized Care Plans
Living in a senior living community will give you access to on-site care and support. You’ll have peace of mind knowing help is nearby. This accessibility can ease your stress and anxiety.
Choose a community that offers personalized care plans. They’ll customize their services based on your unique needs.
You’ll have:
- More time to participate in activities
- The ability to cook your own meals
- Options for exercise programs
- On-site care
- Access to a dedicated and professional team
- Peace of mind and convenience
These communities will allow you to maintain your independence while you live in a comfortable environment. You can enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle, which can reduce your stress load. The flexibility, comfort, and freedom can improve your quality of life.
Improve Your Cognitive Health Today
Living in a senior living community can improve your cognitive health and quality of life. Consider exploring your senior living options to find a community that supports a healthy lifestyle. Their programs can offer cognitive stimulation and social engagement to benefit your mental health.
Discover GreenTree at WestWood. Our senior living community combines comfortable amenities, engaging wellness programs, and personalized care.
Enjoy an exciting, enriching life. Contact us now to schedule a tour.
