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5 Ways Hobbies Help Seniors with Memory Loss

Monday, January 25, 2021

Think about the hobbies you love to do. What is it you enjoy about them? What feelings and emotions do they evoke? The hobbies and activities we do don’t just entertain and amuse us, but they also in a sense define us, make memories and provide opportunities to cherish.

“Participating in hobbies and activities that we love are great for helping keep our brains active, engaged and sharp,” says Reshma Nair, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover, a memory care assisted living community in Andover, MA. “They are meaningful to us, which also helps keep our cognitive function working as well as possible. That’s one of the many reasons why hobbies are so important for seniors with memory loss.”

Often, seniors with memory loss can withdraw from activities because they are confused or don’t know how to participate in the hobbies, which can cause anxiety. However, when caregivers and family members help loved ones with manageable tasks and hobbies, it can have a considerable impact on the senior’s mood, self-esteem and well-being.

Hobbies, says Reshma, are crucial not just for the individual with dementia but also for their caregivers. “Caregiving is an all-encompassing but also mundane role,” Reshma says. “Caregivers often feel like they are stuck in a rut, which leads to boredom and burnout, among many other issues. Becoming involved in activities and hobbies will help them feel productive and creative during the day as well. All of us need a little variety in our lives, and when it’s also a hobby you enjoy, it boosts our spirits.”

A key factor to consider when coming up with hobbies and activities for those with memory loss is to first determine what stage of dementia they are in. In the earlier stages, it’s possible that your loved one can continue to enjoy their regular hobbies with minimal adjustments. As the disease progresses, however, you will need to reconfigure activities and simplify or transform them in order to keep them enjoyable and as frustration free as possible.

“Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what specific hobby you and your loved one do; the goal is to find something that’s enjoyable and sparks joy for your loved one,” says Reshma. “Think about the different hobbies and activities your loved one has enjoyed throughout his or her lifetime. Use that knowledge, those memories and those passions to come up with hobbies that will be meaningful to them and provide a source of entertainment as well.”

The Benefits of Hobbies for Seniors With Dementia

1. Provides social stimulation
Individuals with memory loss who engage in activities have a happier and more positive outlook than individuals who aren’t involved in hobbies. A big part of this is because activities are generally social events, whether with one person or a small group. This social stimulation is incredibly important for people with dementia, because it provides pleasure and also surrounds the person with people who care about them and meaningful conversations. It’s been shown that staying socially active can help reduce the incidence of anxiety and depression, and can also improve sleep quality. All those things spell good news for the individual with dementia – and their caregivers.

2. A sense of purpose

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, dementia not only takes memories and fosters depression and anxiety, but it also robs individuals of their sense of purpose in life. Successfully participating in hobbies and doing something meaningful helps regain that sense of purpose and accomplishment – and that’s a huge boon for individuals with dementia. A study conducted by Rush University Medical Center in Chicago showed that individuals who have a high purpose in life have slower cognitive decline than those who don’t.

3. Eases unwanted behaviors

As caregivers know, boredom can lead to all sorts of unwanted behaviors and exacerbate the symptoms of dementia. This is difficult and stressful for the caregiver, and frustrating for the individual as well. But unwanted behaviors don’t happen in a vacuum. They’re due to something that’s concerning to the individual, and they’re trying to express themselves in the only way they know how. It could be anything from boredom to not getting enough mental stimulation to just about anything else. However, participating in meaningful activities can help with a variety of these unwanted behaviors. It’s been shown to help reduce wandering, anxiety, anger and others. It goes back to the sense of purpose and social stimulation – when the person feels like they’re accomplishing something and they’re engaged, they’re less likely to “act out.”

4. Increases sense of self-worth

For those with dementia, the world is a frustrating and often scary place. It can be hard to not understand what’s going on and feeling like you have no control of anything. Hobbies and activities can help give back a sense of that control and provide your loved one with increased self-worth. Completing activities, no matter how small they can seem to you, can be enough to boost your loved one’s mood and make them feel better about themselves.

5. Encourages reminiscing and brings memories to the surface

Hobbies are a great opportunity for you to reminisce with your loved one. For example, if you’re baking cookies together, you can talk about how much you loved baking cookies when you were a kid, and discuss what your favorite ones are. Activities that relate to interests in your loved one’s past can sometimes even bring memories to the surface. You may be surprised at some of the stories or things your loved one says. Even if you don’t spur any memories, however, you’re still creating an experience together that will build your bond and encourage happy thoughts and memories (even if your loved one doesn’t remember them after the fact).

Exceptional Care. Engaging Lifestyle.

Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover provides specialized memory care in an assisted living environment that is comfortable, positive and welcoming. Built solely to care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover creates a wellness-focused, engaging lifestyle that respects individual preferences, focuses on residents’ abilities and creates meaning in daily life.

Dedicated Memory Care.

Through every stage of memory loss, residents and their families have complete peace of mind. Our compassionate dementia care and unique programs are tailored to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of each resident wherever they are on their own journey, allowing them to age in place safely, comfortably and with dignity.

Supportive, Purpose-Built Design.

Featuring a stunning residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover is much more than a beautiful place to live; it’s a community where residents’ lives are enriched and families enjoy meaningful moments together. Our research-based design features soft colors and lighting, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life-enrichment stations that empower residents to explore their homes with confidence.

Contact us today to learn more.

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