Puzzles of all sorts are pastimes that many seniors enjoy. Not only are they fun, but they can also provide many surprising health benefits, says Janet McNemar, NHA, MBA, Executive Director at Saunders House in Wynnewood, PA.
“There’s a real joy that comes from unplugging and focusing on a puzzle,” she says. “It helps center us, calm our minds, improve our moods and so much more.”
Remember the simple joy of coloring or drawing when you were a child? Back then, all of us were artists and were happy to spend many an hour drawing, coloring and letting our imaginations run free. For many years, the idea of coloring as a pastime was put away as a childhood thing when we reached a certain age. Then, about six years ago, coloring made a resurgence as a trendy pastime for adults – and as an optimal way to help reduce stress, improve mental health and boost your overall well-being.
Not very long ago, older adults who were recovering from an accident, illness or surgery were able to remain in the hospital until it was determined they were well enough to go home. Today, because of the way our health care system is set up, that has changed. Instead, older adults who need additional services or rehabilitation in order to get back to a normal level of function generally turn to services like short-term rehabilitation.
With more seniors living longer today, the incidence of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia have increased in our society. As a result, more families are faced with the challenges of caring for an older loved one with memory loss.
Memory loss caused by dementia affects individuals in different ways. Therefore, knowing what lies ahead for you, and your loved one with memory loss, can be very difficult to gauge.
The winter season can be a challenging time for senior adults to stay healthy, safe and well. Seniors are more prone to illnesses in cold weather and are also at risk for other winter hazards such as falls, loneliness and seasonal depression.
Stacey Houseknecht, NHA, CTRS, Administrator at Saunders House, says, "Despite the health and safety concerns that accompany winter, the good news is that there are several steps older adults can take to safeguard their health and make the season more enjoyable.
