Thanks to the Cognitive Therapeutics Method, your older loved can slow cognitive decline, delay the onset of dementia, design a routine that they actually look forward to, regain a sense of pride and accomplishment, and engage with others in a way that makes them happy. Here is a brief overview on the seven domains that the Cognitive Therapeutics Method is based on:
Cognitive Activities
Instead of taking medication to improve their memory, attention, language, and visual-spatial, seniors can do so through a variety of behavioral and cognitive interventions. These interventions can help them remember more, speak better, and focus rather than getting distracted.
Coping Activities
Stress is a common issue among the older population. Health issues as well as financial hardships and the loss of loved ones can all lead to stress. When a senior is stressed, they raise their risk of depression, anxiety, insomnia and other sleep challenges, indigestion, skin conditions like eczema, obesity, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Coping activities like going for a brisk walk, listening to soothing music, meditating, and taking a warm bath can all help seniors manage their stress levels and become emotionally stable.
Social Engagement
Social isolation can be very detrimental to a senior’s health. Therefore, it’s essential that they engage themselves socially on a regular basis so that they feel connected to the world around them and reduce their stress levels as a result. Some examples of activities that can promote social engagement in older adults include trips to the zoo with grandchildren, family dinners, birthday parties, weddings, community events, and gatherings with friends or neighbors.
Sensory Activities
Sensory activities use everyday objects to arouse one or multiple senses with the goal of evoking positive feelings. For seniors who are already experiencing cognitive decline, sensory activities that are related to the interests and hobbies they had in the past can be very helpful. Providing a change of scenery by taking a senior outside or to a new neighborhood, giving them a hand massage, or bringing in objects such as seashells and sands that a senior does not typically see are all excellent sensory activities.
Recreational Activities
Finding recreational activities that a senior will enjoy and can participate in without any issues is imperative for their overall health. Visiting a garden, attending a sporting event or concert, volunteering, going bowling, and taking a dance class are all recreational activities that can do wonders for a senior’s mood and quality of life.
Exercise
Older adults who work out on a regular basis can improve their brain power, become stronger, and live happier lives. Whether they go for a walk outside, take a water aerobics class at a local community center, or lift weights in their living room, seniors who exercise will enjoy healthier lives than those who choose to be inactive.
A Healthy Diet
In addition to exercise, seniors should stick to a well-balanced diet that is full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Brain-healthy foods such as walnuts, broccoli, spinach, kale, salmon, and blueberries are all recommended for older adults who would like to keep their brain in tip-top shape.
Targeting these seven domains in day to day life lead to optimal well-being and can allow older adults to make the most out of their golden years.