Keeping Your Mind Sharp as You Age

Most seniors experience some level of cognitive decline as they age. In fact, researchers say the brain actually shrinks in size by about 10%. Fortunately, there are ways to combat this cognitive decline and keep the mind sharp as you age.

1. Don’t slouch! When you slouch, you are impairing both the respiratory and circulatory systems in your body from working optimally. Maintaining good posture helps you get blood and air into your brain to help it function more efficiently.
   
2. Turn on the music. Most people don’t realize how profoundly music impacts the brain. Classical music, jazz music, instrumental music, opera, etc. all help the brain create new pathways and is linked to improved memory as well as improved cognitive functioning.
   
3. Move your body. When you exercise, you’re not only doing all of your muscles and bones good, you’re also providing key health benefits to your brain! Endorphins are released, there is an increase in air and blood flow to the brain and mood is enhanced.
   
4. Keep the puzzles handy. Whether they are word puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, etc. when you participate in these types of games you improve your brain functioning and improve memory and mental capacity.
   
5. Pick up a book and read it! Reading is one of the most fundamental benefits you can give your brain. Not only does your brain create more neural pathways when you read it also absorbs the information in the book such as language, culture, history, etc.
   
6. Eat a healthy diet. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, water, etc. will help you keep your body working at optimal levels.
   
7. Write something. Have you ever wanted to write the great American novel? Or maybe short stories or memoirs? Writing will also improve brain health. Keep in mind that even emails and journaling will have the same result.
   
8. Pick up a paintbrush. We all doodle while waiting on the phone – why not create a “work of art” or even just a bunch of little doodles. Either way, your brain will have a great workout!

Do you live in the Birmingham area? Are you interested in learning about senior care in Birmingham? If you would like a free care consultation from an Always Best Care professional care coordinator, please call the Always Best Care Birmingham location at 205-874-9730. They will be happy to talk with you about home care in Birmingham and also free referrals to senior living environments.

Seniors: Keep Fit with These Fun, Low Impact Activities

There is something about competitive sports that brings people together. And, just because seniors are a little bit older than the usual competitive athlete, it doesn’t mean they can’t participate in fun, low impact sporting activities. Plus, these activities are the perfect opportunity to help seniors become more physically and mentally fit, as they require both physical and mental agility, and will bring seniors together socially which will help to enhance outlook and mood.

1. Pickleball. If you haven’t heard of Pickleball yet – get into the game! This fun activity is a cross between badminton, tennis, and ping pong. Even though many haven’t played or even heard of it, it was developed in the 1960’s by some friends who improvised with sporting equipment. While there are no pickles involved, seniors will find this low impact sporting activity fun, social, competitive, and it does require some amount of skill to win.
2. Bocce Ball. This simple, yet mentally challenging game is a favorite among all age groups around the globe. It has ancient roots, and yet the game has basically stayed the same and is a perfect low-impact activity for seniors to enjoy competitively. Because it can be played on nearly any surface, Bocce Ball can be played on lawns, courts, driveways, parking lots, etc., allowing anyone in any setting to join in.
3. Shuffleboard. A favorite game in senior living facilities, shuffleboard was originally called shove groat, and was introduced to America by the early colonists. It’s an easy game to learn and play, but allows for increasing levels of skill making it a worthwhile activity for competition.
4. Disc Golf. This is another cross-sport activity that involves throwing a disc (which is a little bit smaller than the usual sized throwing disc) into baskets that are positioned above the ground. It provides a healthy, outdoor activity for seniors to compete with each other while also spending quality time together socially.

Seniors living in the Birmingham area who are interested in senior care in Birmingham or about other options regarding home health care in Birmingham Alabama are invited to call the Always Best Care Birmingham location at 205-874-9730 to set up a free care consultation.  They look forward to chatting with you!

Get the Best Senior Care in Birmingham through Always Best Care

Always Best Care Senior Services has been providing compassionate care to seniors all over the country and Canada for the past 20 years. They provide in-home care assistance to seniors who wish to alleviate some of the stress and tension of their daily tasks (that can get overwhelming as we age), to free up time to do more of the things they enjoy.

The in-home care assistance in Birmingham, Alabama, is provided by exceptional caregivers that are licensed, trained and certified in CPR and first aid. The ABC caregivers take their role as non-medical caregivers and companions very seriously, resulting in happy seniors and caregivers who find fulfillment in their career choice. 

What are some of the tasks that ABC caregivers help their senior clients with? There are many and they cover a wide spectrum of activities that are necessary in helping the senior get through the day. They include:

• Preparing future meals
• Taking care of pets
• Taking care of plants
• Medication reminders
• Transportation to & from religious services
• Assisting with clothing selections
• Playing cards and games
• Stimulating mental awareness
• Conversing about current & past events
• Organizing mail
• Aiding with reading
• Dusting, vacuuming, sweeping
• …so much more

If you live in the Birmingham area and are interested in senior care and receiving a free consultation with an Always Best Care Coordinator, call 205-874-9730 today to set up an appointment. They will help you create a Care Plan and also help you decide which is best for you: assisted living or in-home care. ABC provides a minimum of daily one hour home care assistance in Birmingham. With 20 years of experience in assisting seniors, they have logged more than three million hours of caregiver time and have helped over 25,000 seniors around the country and Canada live fuller and happier lives. Give them a call today at 205-874-9730 to find out how they can help you with your senior care and in-home care assistance decisions in Birmingham.