Dementia can be frightening, but in some cases, it may not be inevitable. In fact, recent research has found that nearly 45% of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed. And it’s far simpler than you might expect.
Just maintaining healthy everyday habits like exercising regularly, socializing with friends and family and engaging in hobbies can all help to boost brain health. When combined with help managing chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, it’s an incredibly effective way to delay dementia’s onset or progression.
For seniors in Whittier, there’s a wealth of opportunities to stay active and engaged. With beautiful green spaces and nature trails, recreational exercise classes and even senior sports teams, it’s simple to help your loved one stay active and engaged.
How to Improve Brain Health in Whittier
No matter their age, seniors in Whittier can take advantage of opportunities for your loved one to stay active. Between social exercise classes and community gatherings, there’s plenty for seniors to do right here.
Here are just a few of our favorite things seniors can do in Whittier to improve their brain health:
- Get Moving with Friends
Exercise isn’t just great for strength, flexibility and endurance. It can also boost memory, help reduce the risk of some kinds of cancers and even help you maintain a healthy sleep schedule—which is also a key factor for preventing or delaying dementia.
However, exercising isn’t always easy for seniors. Many of them may worry about falling or lack the right equipment. Some of them just find it boring or lonely.
Luckily, Whittier happens to be the headquarters of Nifty After Fifty, a social fitness program that gives seniors the chance to have fun exercising together. They host a variety of gentle exercise classes that train strength, cardio or flexibility for all levels. They also use social games like cornhole or chair volleyball to make exercise feel like play, giving your loved one a great way to have fun and build friendships while they get moving.
- Exercise Outdoors
According to one study, getting exercise is incredibly important for brain health—so much that cognitive decline is roughly half as common among inactive adults as it is among active ones. On top of that, another study shows that getting outside has been shown to have real benefits to mental and cognitive health. And the best part is, those benefits work together! Putting it together, that means simply exercising outdoors is one of the best things you can do to prevent or delay dementia.
Here’s the good news: seniors in Whittier have no shortage of great outdoor places. For an easy stroll or bike ride, bring your loved one to the historic Greenway Trail. This broad, paved pathway runs an easy four-and-a-half miles across the heart of Whittier. With trees on either side, it stays cool and shady even on summer days. It even has six stations along the way commemorating historic Whittier, as well as a series of kinetic wind sculptures by artist Lyman Whitaker.
If your loved one is the outdoorsy sort, take them for a hike in scenic Turnbull Canyon. This broad trail winds a gentle route through Hacienda Hills, but it’s smooth and flat enough to be a great beginner’s hike. Just remember to bring a good pair of boots and pack some food, water and sunscreen, and you’re all set for adventure!
- Socialize Regularly
Socializing isn’t just a fun way to maintain connections: It’s actually a workout for your brain as well, stimulating attention and memory. In fact, lack of socialization is a major risk factor for dementia.
Fortunately, the Whittier Uptown Senior Center has a wide array of programs to help seniors in Whittier connect with each other over fun activities and outings. With programs like group dance and exercise classes, trips to local sports events and community theater shows, and regular lunches, the Senior Center has everything your loved one needs to maintain an active social life.
One of the most engaging ways for seniors to stay active is to become part of something meaningful to them. That’s why the Senior Center is host to the Whittier Warriors, a team in the local senior softball league. Alongside a team full of friends who care about and count on them, your loved one will never lack for friends or things to do.
Get Expert Support
Seniors in Whittier have plenty of ways to connect with each other and live life to the fullest, and expert support can help you take advantage of them.
That’s why FirstLight Home Care of Whittier is here to help your loved one stay engaged and active by getting them where they need to go and assisting with mobility. We’re also happy to provide award-winning dementia care services, specialized to meet the needs of seniors with dementia.
Dementia is difficult to navigate, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re exploring your options or just looking for resources in the area, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d be honored to support your loved one and your family.