Memory loss is something many seniors face. It can simply be a consequence of aging or a more serious side effect of Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions. Staying sharp is important, and there are a number of easy ways to exercise the mind. Try the following to preserve memory and help your loved one maintain a healthy quality of life at home or at their assisted living community.

Tips to Improve Seniors’ Memories

1. Stay Organized

Clutter makes it more difficult to remember where things are. This extends to appointments and obligations outside the home, and the distractions can gradually impact short-term memory. Help your loved one stay organized. Create daily, weekly, and monthly to-do lists. Keep their home or assisted living apartment clean. Create designated places for items in the home—a table by the door for keys, wallet, glasses, and other pocket items, for example—or a pantry that’s designated for everyday things. This makes it easier to focus on what they want or need to recall regularly.

2. Exercise the Brain

It’s important for your loved one to stay mentally active. Puzzles of every type are perfect for problem-solving and critical thinking. Familiar board games like backgammon are helpful with recall, and strategy games like chess exercise the mind. Keep a stock of activities at their home or assisted living facility. Encourage them to explore memory-stimulating activities such as listening to music or creating art, and take the time to enjoy these with them. It’s a great bonding experience full of mental stimulation as well as an opportunity for them to be social.

3. Eat Well & Stay Active

Diet and exercise continue to play an integral role in health through the senior years. Your loved one needs to exercise every day. It can be a simple walk around the block, a yoga class at their assisted living facility, or calisthenics in their room. This improves circulation to the brain and may relieve stress as well. Healthy foods, such as fish, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, provide valuable nutrients crucial to brain health. Create a meal plan with them or their caregiver so they always have something nutritious and well-balanced to eat.

If your loved one is facing memory challenges and other health issues, Atmore Nursing Center provides a comprehensive care facility to accommodate them. Located in Atmore, AL, this federal- and state-licensed facility provides assisted living and nursing home services around the clock. Their dedicated staff of medical professionals are committed to residents’ well-being and take a personalized approach to care. Call (251) 368-9121 to schedule a tour and visit their website to learn more about their services.