Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. It is a progressive disease that begins with mild memory loss and sometimes leads to losing the ability to hold a conversation or respond to the environment. The disease involves part of the brain that controls thought, memory, and language. Sadly, it is very common for residents of retirement homes to experience Alzheimer’s, whether themselves or through their friends and family. As September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, here are five tips for navigating Alzheimer’s while retirement living at Lakeside Gardens.
Stay Physically Active
Multiple studies have shown that regular physical activity can improve memory, reduce anxiety and depression, and reduce your risk of cognitive decline, including dementia. At Lakeside Gardens, we provide our senior residents with multiple ways to stay active, including guided classes, events, and staff support. We recommend attending one of our fitness classes to get in the habit of moving more routinely.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
Nutrition has a large impact on brain health. An unhealthy diet that is rich in fats and sugars causes inflammation of neurons and inhibits the formation of new neurons, affecting the way the brain works and contributing to brain disorders. Foods that fuel brain health include colourful fruits and vegetables, berries, fish, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. Our in-house chefs focus on creating gourmet meals that are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids to help you thrive while retirement living in Nanaimo.
Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation
Many health problems are linked to stress, including a greater risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. By reducing stress, you reduce the strain you are putting on cognitive function. Some ways to reduce stress include moving to a retirement community if you are in need of the safety and convenience it offers. At Lakeside Gardens, we provide many ways for our residents to practice mindfulness and relaxation, including multiple lounges, reading spaces, and gardens, as well as classes and workshops.
Living in a Supportive Environment
One of the best things you can do as a senior is move into an environment that supports you, keeps you safe, and is designed for your comfort. At Lakeside Gardens, the safety and satisfaction of our residents is our top priority. With professionals on-site, our seniors are sure to receive the best care and support when it is needed. We understand that aging can come with challenges, and are here to make your retirement living experience as positive as possible.
Living in an environment that supports routines and consistency is a great way to fight Alzheimer’s disease. Our Nanaimo retirement home provides plenty of opportunities and support for our residents to develop these routines.
Continued Learning and Mental Stimulation
One of the best ways you can fight against Alzheimer’s is by continuing to learn and stimulate your brain. At Lakeside Gardens, we encourage our residents to keep up with their favourite hobbies and interests. With various planned activities, it is easy for residents to meet others with similar interests to do hobbies together.
Another way to continue mental stimulation is through reading frequently or learning something new. Whether you take an online course or attend a casual learning activity, consuming new knowledge is a great way to ensure mental stimulation.
A fulfilling way to stay mentally sharp and fight against Alzheimer’s is through building social connections. By participating in group activities and events at Lakeside Gardens, you will meet many wonderful residents who share interests and lifestyles with you. It is extremely important to maintain friendships and relationships as you age. Having consistent people in your life who care about you greatly reduces stress and provides joy.
We recommend engaging in memory-enhancing activities to keep your mind stimulated and fight against Alzheimer’s disease. There are many brain-stimulating activities you can do, such as puzzles, crosswords, board games, and memory games. The staff at Lakeside Gardens retirement living in Nanaimo are happy to teach you some great games you can play with friends or on your own.
It is important to educate ourselves on what Alzheimer’s disease is, the significance of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and the importance of support and awareness. By knowing ways to fight against the onset of Alzheimer’s and knowing how we can support individuals with the disease, we can make an impact on the battle against this common, progressive disease, especially in retirement homes across British Columbia. We encourage you or your senior loved one to utilize these tips to navigate Alzheimer’s disease while in a seniors’ community.
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If you’re looking for a VRS seniors retirement home that offers a fulfilling community, we are here for you. Feel free to contact us with any questions you have. Call 604.731.1020 to arrange a tour at one of VRS’ warm and friendly independent senior communities.