Activities for People with Memory Loss: Enhancing Quality of Life
For individuals living with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, it is important that they are living in an environment where they will be connected to the people and resources that can help them live their best life possible. Additionally, it is important that they participate in healthy, stimulating, and fulfilling activities that will help them feel engaged.
Keep reading for engaging activities recommended by our expert memory care specialists that will help people with memory loss live a healthy and fulfilling life.
Physical Activity for Older Adults with Memory Loss
According to the National Library of Medicine, “there is strong evidence from epidemiological studies that a history of exercise or physical activity is associated with delayed onset and progression of dementia in older adults.” Activities like walking, swimming, and even gardening can strengthen muscles, improve sleeping habits, maintain motor skills, and reduce the risk of falls.
Creative Expression for Older Adults with Memory Loss
Music, art, and other forms of creativity can be beneficial for seniors with memory loss, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Music can impact mood, movement, and provides a way for older adults with memory loss to connect to the world even if verbal communication is difficult. Art is another fantastic way for seniors to express themselves and help manage their emotions.
Pet Therapy for Older Adults with Memory Loss
Introducing pets to an older adult living with memory loss can be a great way to provide companionship and a comforting presence. According to BrightFocus Alzheimer’s Disease Research, “their very presence can help reduce the effects of dementia – anxiety, agitation, irritability, depression, and loneliness.” Additionally, “pets can help a person with dementia be more interactive, when sometimes they are not able to do so in social settings with other adults.”
Socialization for Older Adults with Memory Loss
Socializing is crucial for seniors who are living with memory loss, as it can benefit memory and cognitive function. According to an article from the AARP, “whenever we have even the most basic exchange, we have to think about how to respond, and that stimulates the brain. There are people who are outliers, who have two very close relationships and are fine cognitively. But people who have three or more relationships tend to do better.”
In the same article from the AARP, an 86-year-old woman named Stella is referenced. After Stella’s husband passed away, she started pulling away from her community. She stopped attending church, stopped wearing makeup, and was disconnected from her friends. After her daughter noticed the change in her mom, they made the important decision that Stella would move to a senior residence near her daughter. After the move, Stella started applying makeup again, playing bridge with her friends every week, and was walking three miles a day.
This shows just how important community and socialization is, and the impact it can have on an older adult living with memory loss.
The Aspenwood Company Communities Provide a New Level of Care for Your Loved One
With The Aspenwood Company’s SOAR program, services are delivered by team members who work together to create a contemporary, life-affirming, activity rich environment for persons living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia.
Here are the program’s key features and purpose points:
Nursery
Cradles, changing tables, rocking chairs, and baby dolls help residents recall memories of parenthood and spark feelings and habits of caregiving and nurturing.
Tool Station
This gives residents the opportunity to use safe but familiar accessories in a workshop environment. The tool station evokes memories of workshop projects, fixing up old cars and provides therapy for the mind and body.
Laundry
This purpose point allows residents the opportunity to experience and remember washing and folding clothes. These interactive accessories can provide a sense of purpose and usefulness and can spark memories of a common household task.
In the Garden
Gardening evokes memories of the pleasures of nurturing plants and helps memory care residents be interactive.
Sports Fan
This purpose point is perfect for residents who are the ultimate sports fan. It provides an opportunity for physical activity and friendly competition, as well as a walk down memory lane shooting hoops and watching their favorite team take on their biggest rival.
The Aspenwood Company has communities that provide unmatched hospitality, friendly caregivers, and a level of care that will help your loved one live their best life possible. With communities all over the southeastern United States, our memory care communities like Clayton Oaks Living, Spring Creek Village, Village at the Triangle, Village of Meyerland, Village of River Oaks, Village of Southampton, Village of the Heights, Village on the Park Bentonville, and Village on the Park Rogers all provide outstanding care with opportunities for physical fitness, socialization, pet therapy, and more.
The Aspenwood Company Can Help Seniors Live Life Well®
When it comes to your living situation, it is important to choose a community that will provide you with a rich and vibrant life.
Our communities are the standard of luxurious living for mature adults. You will find our properties in the most sought-after locations, in the middle of culture and activity, where a vibrant lifestyle surrounds you. We’ve spent 25 years fine-tuning every detail of luxurious living so that our residents enjoy a new sense of freedom and fulfillment.
There’s luxury, and then there is Aspenwood luxury.
In order to become a member of an Aspenwood luxury community, mature adults will face some hard, but important decisions. Be assured that our team is trustworthy and compassionate, and ready to serve you. We are here to provide encouragement, support, and helpful information.
You have the opportunity to pursue and experience freedom like never before. It’s time to experience the laughter, the energy, the activity, the friendly faces, and the caring people of The Aspenwood Company. It’s time to Live Life Well®.