Though some seniors have physical health conditions that deserve attention, it’s just as important to focus on their mental and emotional wellbeing. Many aging adults are choosing to go back to school after retirement not only because they have the time to do so but also because they believe it can have a significant impact on these two aspects of their health. Family caregivers should encourage their elderly loved ones to go back to school, and here’s why.
Boost Cognitive Function & Memory
Medical research has shown seniors who actively use their brains to solve problems and read comprehensively demonstrate better cognitive skills. They’re able to understand and remember more of what they’ve read.
One of the best ways to keep a body part healthy is to continue to use it, and this is especially true of the brain. Word and number games can be great forms of exercise for the brain, but classes might be even more engaging. Memory skills can increase when there’s a specific reason to recall information, such as studying for a test.
Pursue Subjects of Interest
After years of working and raising families, aging adults have the freedom to choose what they want to study when they go back to school. Many seniors never went to college and want to know what it’s like, and some are just interested in subjects that have nothing to do with the jobs they performed before they retired.
Whether your loved one wants to take a class in photography or learn how to write a memoir, he or she can finally explore favorite subjects in more depth. Now that your parent has hit retirement age, he or she may have more time to take classes featuring topics he or she is interested in, such as history or a foreign language.
Even if your loved one has the desire to pursue education, he or she may need help with transportation to classes or additional cognitive stimulation at home. Homecare services experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Increase Social Interaction
Researchers have known for decades how important it is for humans to spend time with other people. When seniors retire, depression is common because the social aspect of their jobs is suddenly gone. Even if your loved one was unhappy with his or her job at times, talking with coworkers may have provided stress relief and a sense of belonging. Retirees who loved their work miss the social bonds even more but can regain this benefit by interacting with others in a classroom setting.
For families living in Green Valley, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Embrace In-Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Exchange Knowledge
Whether seniors are taking college-level classes at a university or adult education courses at a local school, they and their classmates can learn from one another. Your loved one can pass on the gifts of experience and wisdom to younger classmates, and the classmates can educate him or her about various aspects of contemporary culture.
If your loved one isn’t interested in returning to school but still wants to remain physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy, a home caregiver can be a fantastic source of support. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior care. Green Valley, AZ, Embrace In-Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. Call one of our Care Managers to learn about our customized in-home care plans.