Sure, it’s important to stay physically active and fit during your golden years — but staying mentally active is just as important. Luckily, activity books are an easy way to work your mental “muscles” from the comfort of your couch. Activity books for seniors play a crucial role in enhancing mental stimulation, cognitive function, and overall well-being; they’re also portable, meaning you can knock out a few exercises at home or on the go. (And they’re fun, which certainly doesn’t hurt.) From crossword puzzles and brain-bending logic exercises to relaxing memory exercises, read on for a few examples of activity books that will help you stay sharp.
Benefits of Activity Books for Seniors
Activity books can be fun and relaxing, but they’re also productive. As we mentioned above, these handy tools help promote mental stimulation and cognitive function as we get older. They’ve also come a long way in recent years, with fun and engaging options for every kind of reader. Even if you don’t consider yourself a puzzle person, we guarantee that there’s an activity book out there for you.
Brain-Bending Puzzles for Seniors
The research doesn’t lie: Older adults who regularly do number and word puzzles have better brain function than those who don’t. Puzzles train your brain to perform better on reasoning, attention, and memory tasks, helping you stay sharp throughout your golden years. The following are a few examples of puzzle books we love:
- Murdle: This cheeky volume is packed with humorous mini-mystery puzzles that challenge you to find “whodunit, how, where, and why.” You’ll follow along with the narrative, then “examine the clues, interview the witnesses, and use the power of deduction” to figure out the culprit for each crime.
- New York Times Classic Crosswords: Lifelong puzzlers will love this compilation of some of the New York Times’ most beloved crossword grids. From easy to ultra-challenging, this book includes a range of difficulty levels. It also comes in a sturdy, journal-style binding so you can take the puzzles on the go.
- Large-Print Sudoku: If you prefer number puzzles to word games, this book is for you. The large-print edition includes more than 160 puzzles with five different levels of difficulty. Plus, each puzzle is on a full page, so solving is easy on your eyes.
Activity Books to Work Your Memory
Not interested in puzzles? There are still plenty of options to help you establish a daily memory-building practice:
- The Total Brain Workout: This book offers 450 fun and challenging puzzles. They’re specifically designed to target the core parts of your brain that control language, logic, memory, and reasoning, which is especially important for older adults.
- AARP Memory Activity Book: The AARP designed this book for adults affected by memory issues, Alzheimer’s, or other forms of dementia. It includes a wide array of activity suggestions to help improve memory; it also has ideas for caretakers and loved ones.
Ultimately, activity books for seniors are a great way to keep your brain sharp — and have fun along the way. Once you find an activity book that suits your interests, you won’t even realize you’re embarking on a brain workout.
Are you looking for a community that puts senior health and well-being first? At The Gables on Pelham, we’re happy to provide our residents with various tools and services to assist them in making the most of life. The Gables on Pelham offers three levels of personalized care: assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. From seniors who want support with daily tasks and housekeeping (so that they can explore social activities, take up a new hobby, or find new ways to stay fit and have fun) to seniors who need round-the-clock nursing care, The Gables on Pelham can provide personalized care based on your needs.
These flexible, tiered care options can seamlessly adapt to and accommodate the changing needs of its residents over time, meaning that residents and their families can enjoy a sense of stability and familiarity as their needs change. With our warm, welcoming environment and full community calendar, you’ll surely find plenty of friends and opportunities for activity and wellness. To learn more, please schedule a call with us at 864-713-1377.