New Hobbies Help Residents Preserve & Enhance Cognitive Function
- Brittney Pierce
- Nov 27, 2023
- 2 min read
A new year is in sight. We often think of January as a great time to pick up a new hobby, plan new adventures or set goals for the months ahead. The importance of trying new hobbies year-round cannot be overstated, however.
A recent study from Mercy Health shows that having too much time on our hands can negatively affect us. Engaging in challenging and novel activities can significantly improve memory function in older adults.
It is more important than ever for senior living communities to embrace vibrant living and support their residents with interesting programming. By making it easy for them to take up new hobbies, we support residents’ experience and growth, which ultimately preserve and enhance their cognitive functions.
Supporting Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and form new neural connections throughout life, has immense potential to keep our minds sharp as we age. When older adults engage in hobbies, there is a positive response from the brain as it forms and strengthens new neural connections. Research has shown that regularly partaking in mentally challenging activities, such as learning new games to play, joining an art class, exploring different cultures or picking up a new language, can lead to improved cognitive function, particularly memory recall.
Preventing Isolation
One of the many takeaways of the pandemic was the danger of isolation for the aging population. We learned that loneliness and isolation increase the risk for individuals to develop mental health challenges, as well as heart failure, cognitive decline and dementia/ Alzheimer's disease, according to the surgeon general and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, respectively. When older adults participate in new hobbies, they spend more time with others and increase their chances for forming lasting friendships.
Inquire About Their Interests
When people of all ages try something new, it stimulates their attention and interest. It is crucial for senior living communities to ask residents what they are interested in, because one person’s idea of a fun activity could inspire others to join in. One may have a love for chess while others have never played before. One may love to cook, and others may enjoy learning new cooking techniques.
A Holistic Approach
Vibrancy has become a buzzword in senior living, and for good reason. But beyond vibrancy, a holistic approach to overall wellness is a must. It's important to meet multiple needs of the individual; Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Cultural and Emotional health. Examples of those categories:
Spiritual: Religion, meditation, positive affirmations, poetry and connecting with nature.
Physical: Line dancing, drumming, fitness classes and walking clubs.
Intellectual: Attending lectures, book clubs, current events and panel discussions that promote lifelong learning.
Cultural: Learning about other cultures, trying new foods and learning a new language.
Emotional: Grief support groups and comedy shows.
Conclusion
It is the role of senior living communities to ensure that residents are constantly trying new things and to offer a holistic approach to health and wellness.
It's fascinating to consider the article's emphasis on how nuanced environmental or behavioral factors can significantly modulate our cognitive bandwidth. I've observed this firsthand in various professional settings, where even seemingly minor stressors can disproportionately impact decision-making and complex problem-solving capabilities. This naturally leads to a deeper consideration: how can we objectively measure these varying cognitive states and understand the specific individual differences that influence performance? For those looking to delve into the specifics of quantifying these aspects, an in-depth cognitive ability assessment can provide invaluable insights.
The article emphasizes how "engaging in challenging and novel activities can significantly improve memory function in older adults" by supporting neuroplasticity. It's fascinating how the brain's ability to form new neural connections directly benefits from these types of mental exercises, impacting not just memory but broader cognitive agility. While hobbies are key, an often-overlooked aspect of mental sharpness, especially as we age, is processing speed and responsiveness. For those interested in quantifying this, exploring online reaction time tests can provide a practical way to monitor and even improve aspects of cognitive processing speed.
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