Reading is beneficial for people of all ages, and curling up with a good book has proven to be far more than just a pleasurable pastime for people over 65. Here are a few reasons you should encourage your senior loved one to read on a regular basis.
1. Stimulates the Mind
Reading is a great way for seniors to exercise their brains because it expands their vocabularies, engages their analytical thinking skills, and forces their minds to create new memories. It’s important to give the brain a workout on a regular basis because it can reduce the risk of dementia-related disorders.
2. Relieves Stress
When you’re caught up in a good book, the stresses of everyday life often seem to melt away. Whether your loved one is a fan of fantasy or a lover of historical fiction, help him or her find engaging books that offer the opportunity to relax each day.
Mentally engaging activities such as reading help seniors boost their mental and emotional wellbeing. Living alone at home in the golden years can present a few unique challenges. Trust home care service professionals to help your senior loved one maintain a higher quality of life while he or she lives with an illness and performs the daily tasks of living.
3. Increases Social Interaction
If your loved one enjoys reading, encourage him or her to join a book club. Being involved in a book club can help your loved one stay up to date with newly released books and get the chance to spend time with other book lovers. Building social connections is crucial for seniors, and book clubs provide the opportunity for spending time with like-minded individuals. Also, the process of thinking about and discussing books keeps the mind in good shape, which can help your loved one prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s.
For families living in Orlando, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
4. Encourages Lifelong Learning
Your loved one can also read to keep up with current events and popular culture. Whether it’s the latest nonfiction book on particle physics or a guide to using computers, reading is a great way to stay up to date.
Reading is often an essential part of learning new skills as well. Books on knitting, embroidery, stamp collecting, and birdwatching make great gifts for seniors in need of new hobbies.
A professional caregiver with training and expertise in methods of cognitive stimulation can also help your loved one boost his or her cognitive health. The type of home care Orlando seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us today.