Senior Mind Games:

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Senior Mind GamesOlder Adults May Need Help to
Stay Mentally Fit
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Brain Reserve

• A 2006 study in Psychological Medicine indicated
  that individuals with high brain reserve have a
  far lower risk of developing dementia.
• Use it or Lose It
• 46 - decreased risk of dementia compared to
  those with low brain reserve
• Source Online at http//unsw.edu.au/news/pad/arti
  cles/2006/jan/Dementia_brain_reserve.html.

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Guarding against Dementia

• In 2003 New England Journal of Medicine, those
  who do activities such as board games, reading,
  playing musical instruments, or working
  crosswords are less likely to develop dementia.
• Exercising the mind is the key to staving off the
  onset of Alzheimers and Dementia.
• Source New England Journal of Medicine 2003
  348 2508-16.

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Competitive Mind Games

• 2002 Study (ACTIVE) Advanced Cogntive Training
  for Independent and Vital Elderly
• Adults over age 65 can significantly improve
  memory, concentration, and problem solving skills
• 87 increase in cognitive ability
• 74 increase in reasoning training
• 26 increase in memory training

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Senior Video Gamers

• The second-annual Evercare 100 _at_ 100 Survey,
  sponsored by Evercare, polled one hundred
  Americans turning 100 and older in 2007.
• They found that one in seven had played video
  games.
• 47 of online games are downloaded by 55
• Source Online at http//evercarehealthplans.com

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The Wii Experience

• Many retirement communities in the U.S. own Wiis
  
• A welcome reprieve from a sedentary lifestyle
• Boosts hand-eye coordination
• Uncomplicated movements and easy to learn even
  for those who have disabilities
• What are seniors doing
• Bowling, golfing, playing tennis
• Having tournaments within their communities or
  against other communities
• Playing along with their grandchildren and
  children
• Innovative physical fitness
• Mental stimulation (learning new technology)

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Mind-Game Activity Ideas

• Video Action
• Online Games
• Organize Game Night
• The Magic of Music
• Tournament Fun
• Think Big
• Out and About
• In the News
• Just the Two of You
• Companionship Counts

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Companionship Also Important

• Problem Loneliness
• can often deter seniors from staying mentally
  fit.
• Can lead to depression, isolation, or mental
  decline
• Important to keep seniors active not only
  physically but also mentally

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How CAREGivers can help

• Medication reminders
• Personal Care
• Assistance with household chores
• Errands/shopping/transportation
• Help prepare meals with or for senior
• Mental stimulation
• Help maintain independence for as long as
  possible wherever home may be

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• If youd like to learn more about our services,
  or if youre interested in employment as a Home
  Instead CAREGiver, please contact my officea
  local, independently owned and operated Home
  Instead Senior Care franchise.

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Questions Answers
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Thank You!