Top 5 Activities to Enhance Cognitive Function and Mobility in Aging Parents.
It’s highly probable that your parents are 60+ if you’re a millennial, and watching your parents age can be worrying, especially where their health is concerned. Aging comes with all kinds of health issues, most of which are chronic i.e built up over the years. Common health issues are hypertension, diabetes, reduction in bone density, Parkinson’s, memory loss, and mobility issues. Although I am not a doctor, I have observed friends whose parents have faced several of these issues. In my opinion, some of these issues can be delayed or drastically reduced, and of course, several research articles back my take.
As a 40+ ‘child’ to an aging Ghanaian Mom in her 70s, I’d like to share how I subtly support her in ensuring she’s mentally & physically thriving and enjoying this phase of her life. I hope it inspires you to do the same for yours. Also, do expect some stubbornness from them on starting these activities, but don’t give up 😄.
1.Cognitive Activities
Cognitive function basically refers to the mental processes the brain uses to acquire, process, store, and retrieve information, and to guide behavior. Think of it as a complex puzzle! It involves paying attention, understanding what we see and hear, remembering things, using language, thinking logically, figuring out problems, managing our actions (like planning and making choices), and understanding spatial relationships. (Thank you ChatGPT) These processes decline over the years so you need to look at activities which can improve them in the long-term.
Word Search Puzzle & Scribble Drawing
One of the ways I helped my Mom is introducing her to Word Search puzzles and Scribble drawing. I bought one Word Search from Vidya Bookstore last year and showed her how to go about finding words in the puzzle. Within a few weeks she finished one book, then I bought another. She later bought several copies for her besties. Her testimony in her own words, “Thank you for introducing me to these books. Like by now I’m sitting here constantly worrying and overthinking.” The scribble drawing is still new for her but she enjoyed it and was surprised how shapes and objects could be found in just scribbling. Personally, i’ve always loved scribble drawing ever since Mr. Ofei taught us during our Graphic Design class back in Ridge Church School.
Word Search trains her brain to memorize words to look for in the puzzle, pattern recognition and teaches her new vocabulary. This is a low-effort mental self-care work.
2. Mobility Activities
30-Minute Walks
As the body slows down, muscles relax and joints ache. Get your parents to go for walks early mornings and evenings in safe locations in your neighborhood. I know our streets aren’t even pedestrian friendly for walks but encourage them to perhaps stroll to the nearest football park and walk several times around it. I introduced my Mom to the gym and she loved it but it slightly wore her out so she sticks to early evening 30-minute walks in the area. Ensure they wear anything but black or if possibly a hi-vis jacket on their walking outfit.
Aqua Aerobics
Introduce your parents to aqua aerobics at the nearest poolside. Find a qualified swimming instructor who can take them through these lessons. Aqua aerobics is incredible! Ever since i took up swimming my entire body is simply grateful and i know many boomer Ghanaian parents have not experienced this before. Even though aqua aerobics isn’t exactly full body immersion it does have amazing health benefits such as:
Water buoyancy which reduces impact on knees, hips, and spine, making movement easier and less painful for older adults while still providing resistance for strength and mobility.
Improved balance and fall prevention: Exercising in water helps build core strength and coordination with a lower risk of injury, which can translate to better stability and fewer falls on land.
This will most probably be met with more resistance as compared to the other activities. One way to get them to commit is being a swimmer yourself to show them there’s nothing to fear about water. Honestly, the maame water myths haven’t helped us as a nation.
Art & Pottery Classes:
These activities not only boost their hand-eye coordination but also might reveal a hidden talent for art, something their parents might have discouraged them from exploring. There are several art studios you can sign them up for or buy art supplies from China Mall or Acrilex as a start. YouTube is littered with free art lessons for beginners, find the easiest and encourage them to create. You’d be surprised what you’ll discover.
These activities are low-effort and highly effective at helping our aging parents be their thriving best after retirement. Many Ghanaian parents after retirement find themselves at a loss of what to do with their lives. Right? It's important to get them moving and socially and mentally active to reduce the risks of certain lifestyle diseases and incidents.
Which other examples are you already implementing for your parents? Do share in the comments section as you’d really be helping someone out there.
