Recent studies into Alzheimer's have been a revelation for any senior worried about memory loss. The research suggests that you can actually delay the symptoms of this disease by staying mentally active.
If you are spending your retirement in the beautiful surroundings of Broken Arrow, looking after your intellectual health is just as important as looking after your physical health. In this guide, we'll share some of the best ideas for intellectual wellness activities that will help you exercise those brain cells.
Lifelong learning activities are a great way to stay mentally active as you get older, especially after retiring from a mentally taxing career. Allow curiosity in your later years to develop into a learning opportunity.
You could try:
Nearby in Broken Arrow, there are some lifelong learning centers, including Tulsa Tech. You'll also find educational opportunities via our activities program in our Morada senior living community. If you are a resident at Morada, start your search there.
Look for ad-hoc events in the community, such as guest speakers or a series of workshops.
Reading novels is a great way to stimulate the brain at any age and can be a fantastic and relaxing pastime for seniors.
Make the most of this by joining a book club or a library program in Broken Arrow. These are spaces where you can chat with fellow book fans, share opinions, and discuss your favorite novels.
You may also have the opportunity to participate in other book-related activities, such as attending talks with local authors or educational seminars on a specific book genre.
These activities are often tailored to older adults, offering an opportunity to interact with other seniors in your area. Alternatively, you can create an informal book club at your senior living community.
If you have a creative side and love to write, use your retirement years to learn how to let your talents flourish.
Look for creative writing workshops, or if you prefer, a journaling workshop, which can be excellent for mental and emotional wellness. It reduces stress levels and can even help strengthen your memory skills. Plus, sharing journal entries in a group can help boost your connections with others.
Some writing workshops might offer specialist techniques in things like poetry or novels, which could be worthwhile if you have ever held a lifelong ambition to publish a book. You could even write some children's stories for your grandchildren.
One proven way to enrich the mind and spirit is to connect with music and the arts. It can be a powerful way to stimulate the mind, evoking memories and emotions with the stroke of a paintbrush or the sound of a familiar chord.
In Broken Arrow and within our senior living community, you'll find many activities that allow you to explore your inner artist, such as:
You could connect with an old hobby or use the freedom in your retirement to enjoy a new one. It will help relax you and focus your mind, making it perfect for mental wellness.
A games evening in a social living community offers so much more than a fun way to spend an evening together.
Engaging your brain cells with a challenging puzzle or planning your next strategic move in a board game provides excellent intellectual stimulation for your mental well-being.Many games can help with cognitive skills, such as:
The great thing about attending a games night is that it's a relaxed and social event. That connection with others is one of the best ways you can look after your mental health in your senior years.
Mastering technology can be a game-changer for seniors. Being tech-savvy can give you more independence and enable you to stay connected with your loved ones. You can learn:
You can even learn a fun new skill, like how to write code or chat with an AI. Accessing technology is vital in the modern world because it's often where you need to turn if you want to obtain medical reports, book a restaurant, or check your bank details.
Gaining the newest tech skills means you won't have to rely on those around you, giving you confidence and offering a small way to feel mentally well in your later years.
Focusing the mind is like strengthening a muscle. It takes repeated practice, but with some consistency, you can gain strength. There are lots of ways you can practice mindfulness, and they all help protect your intellectual wellness in your senior years.
Popular activities include:
These are all gentle, low-impact rituals that are easy to try and will leave you feeling relaxed and centered. With time, mindfulness can help you gain greater mental clarity and equip you to cope more effectively with unexpected problems and daily stressors.
You can even combine these activities with gratitude journaling to help you stay present and emotionally resilient.
Intellectual wellness activities are a simple but effective way to look after your mental health as you get older. Try some of these ideas in this article and turn them into weekly habits.
You will also benefit from being in an environment that puts wellness first, which is what we offer at our Morada Broken Arrow senior living community. With personalized, professional care and exclusive on-site health and wellness programs, you'll have everything you need to feel well and energized in your later years.
Book a tour with us today to look around our beautiful community.