08/01/2016

Flex Your Brain: Canyon Creek's Memory Improvement Program

From yoga and group walks, to senior exercise classes, such as Sit & Dance, our activity calendar is jam-packed with opportunities for residents to stay physically fit. Physical fitness and exercise are essential for senior health, but what about other kinds of fitness? As a part of our activities program, we focus not only on physical fitness, but on cognitive fitness as well.

Why Brain Fitness? Cognitive Health for Seniors

Brain-boosting activities, such as memory games, have many benefits for seniors. It keeps seniors’ confidence high, encourages them to continue being interested in learning new skills, and helps them maintain and improve their verbal communication skills and word recall.

An Antidote to Memory Loss and Senior Isolation

Not only do brain games keep seniors sharp and communicative, but these intellectually-stimulating activities are shown to help prevent, and even reduce, the memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related illnesses.

Memory and communication skills help seniors stay interested in social engagement. Seniors who spend too much time alone often suffer from feelings of isolation, and their verbal communication skills may start to decline. Reading, playing games, talking with friends, trying new activities, learning a new skill, and staying physically active all help to keep our brains active and receptive to new and exciting experiences.

Activity Programs for Seniors: Social Bonds, Cognitive Health

According to research from the American Psychological Association (APA), a lifetime full of mental and physical activity, learning, and rewarding work help keep the brain and body healthy—and help ward off Alzheimer’s disease.

This groundbreaking research has shaped our process when creating activity programs for our residents, and has helped us to schedule activities that are designed to trigger positive memories and to encourage social engagement. Alongside our fitness activities, we schedule intellectually-stimulating activities, such as Book Club, Bingo, News & Views discussion group, music performances and outings, crafting sessions, and of course, our Brain Fitness group!

According to Katelen Perfili, Activities Director for Orchard Park Senior Living, brain fitness games provide many benefits to residents, including faster thinking, better memory, quicker reactions, and better moods. She said, “It keeps them focused throughout the day and more active.”

Support for Seniors with Alzheimer's or Memory Loss

Learn more about memory care program and philosophy, where we provide support for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. To get a sampling of what our activities program is like, be sure to check out our monthly activities calendars.

Interested in experiencing one of our many activities firsthand? We’d love to meet you; contact us or fill out this form to schedule a time to visit and meet our loving senior living community.

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