If you’re worried that your loved one might be at risk of dementia, there’s good news: According to recent research, it may be possible to prevent or delay nearly 45% of dementia cases in seniors.
Simply helping seniors spend time outside and stay mentally and physically active can maintain and even improve their brain health. Combined with assistance managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, it can go a long way toward preventing or slowing the progression of dementia.
Seniors in Boise are in luck: the area is full of activities that boost brain health. With a wealth of senior-friendly programs and activities, and surrounded on all sides by walkable parks, Boise offers a huge number of ways for seniors to stay active and reduce the risk of dementia.
How Seniors in Boise, ID Can Maintain a Healthy Brain
There’s no shortage of ways for seniors to stay active and social in the Boise area. From walkable trails to educational programs, they’re sure to find an activity that fits their needs and interests.
Here are some of our favorite ways to help your loved one improve their brain health around Boise:
- Spend Time Outdoors
Taking time outside doesn’t just feel good—it actually improves brain health. No matter what they’re doing, just a little time outside each day may reduce the risk of dementia. Staying physically active is just as important. In fact, one study found that forms of cognitive decline like dementia are nearly twice as common among inactive seniors as among active ones. And that means there are few better ways to improve brain health and reduce dementia risks than exercising outside.
And in Boise, there are a huge number of options. Try taking your loved one for a stroll anywhere along the Boise Greenbelt, a 29-mile paved pathway along the Boise River. Lined with trees, the Greenbelt is the perfect place to walk, bike or picnic. It also runs along the Ribbon of Jewels, a series of small parks.
For hiking and birdwatching, there’s nowhere better than the Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge. Encircling Lake Lowell, the refuge has over 10 miles of easy walking trails, and it’s host to over 250 species of birds. The visitor’s center even hosts driving tours of Lake Lowell and the Snake River Islands which leave from the east end of the Upper Dam.
- Find Healthy Alternatives
Changing healthy habits is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of dementia—especially habits like drinking alcohol that impact heart disease, blood pressure and other conditions.
These days, your loved one doesn’t have to miss out on flavor or fun just because they’re avoiding alcohol. “Mocktails,” zero-alcohol drinks that are just as complicated and delicious as traditional alcoholic cocktails.
Percy Restaurant has a great selection—try the Window Kisses, a tangy and slightly spicy concoction with watermelon, lime, ginger beer and spicy honey. They also stock zero-proof spirits behind the bar, meaning you can even ask for a non-alcoholic version of their signature cocktails.
- Learn Something New
One often-overlooked risk factor for dementia is boredom—and one of the best ways to stave it off is to keep learning as you age. Being a lifelong learner can also increase neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to recover from injuries, deal with new situations and resist cognitive decline.
Boise has no shortage of ways for seniors to keep learning as they age. The Boise School District offers Community Education classes to help seniors study interesting topics, learn new skills and enrich their lives.
Or, for an educational outing, head on over to the Aquarium of Boise. With over 250 species of land and sea animals on display over 10 exhibits, the Aquarium is a great place to relax and learn about the complexities of marine life.
Get Support From an Expert
Our community is full of opportunities and activities that can help seniors in Boise boost brain health — and the support of an expert can help you make the most of them.
By helping seniors manage chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, a professional caregiver from FirstLight Home Care of Boise can significantly reduce their risk of dementia. Our caregivers can also help seniors get around and take part in activities throughout the area.
Dementia can be complex and overwhelming to navigate, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you need help with care or you’re just looking for resources, please reach out to us. We’d be honored to help care for your loved one and support your family.
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