Introduction
Holistic care delivery models encourage practitioners to focus on their patients’ mental health and wellbeing. Social workers can introduce brain exercises to different beneficiaries depending on several factors, such as age, gender, and existing medical conditions. This paper describes several ways for encouraging older adults to experiment with new activities that are outside their comfort zones.
Brain Exercises for Older Adults
Since brain activities should be unfamiliar and outside a person’s comfort zone, practitioners can consider various strategies to encourage the elderly to experiment with new exercises. The first one is collaborating with them whenever targeting unfamiliar events. For example, clinicians and family members can be involved when playing untried computer games and puzzles (Jackson et al., 2015). The second strategy is ensuring that such beneficiaries are relocated to new environments or locations. This kind of change will encourage them to engage in complex brain activities. All participants should remain supportive throughout the period. Caregivers can consider the power of guidance and effective communication when encouraging older adults to try activities that are outside their comfort zones.
Another evidence-based approach is identifying specific exercises that are unfamiliar but enjoyable. A good example is the introduction of painting activities or paper collages (Barnes, 2015). Finally, those involved can establish desirable environments that promote teamwork. When two or more elderly citizens cooperate in a given brain action, chances are high that they will record positive results.
Conclusion
The above discussion has explained why there is a need for family members and caregivers to allow older adults to work in groups and relocate to new environments when engaging in brain exercises. Such activities should be enjoyable and informed by each individual’s expectations. Effective support and communication will make the entire process successful.
References
Barnes, J. N. (2015). Exercise, cognitive function, and aging. Advances in Physiology Education, 39(2), 55-62. Web.
Jackson, P. A., Pialoux, V., Corbett, D., Drogos, L., Erickson, K. I., Eskes, G. A., & Poulin, M. J. (2015). Promoting brain health through exercise and diet in older adults: A physiological perspective. The Journal of Physiology, 594(16), 4485-4498. Web.