Finding new and creative ways to challenge and entertain ourselves is difficult when receiving home health care. Performing the same leisure activities day after day does little to stimulate our brains, which can lead to a reduction in cognitive performance over the years. Many times we just fall into the rut of doing things that we like instead of things that challenge us mentally. This can be especially troublesome in our advanced years because cognitive function is usually on the decline already.
One way of adding variety to our time spent receiving home health care is by keeping abreast of new technology. Trying to learn and become comfortable with all the gadgets available on the market today can be overwhelming to some people – especially those in the elderly age bracket. Computers and electronic devices can often seem like more trouble than they are worth. However, computers can offer a wide array of mental health benefits to people of all ages and can be especially helpful to the aged population. Here are some ways that being computer literate can greatly improve the mental health of an elderly person.
Learning opportunities
Computers bring the world to our fingertips. With a few keystrokes, we can easily transport ourselves to places and into cultures that we might not experience otherwise. Learning about new people, places, and things is a great way to keep the mind healthy and active.
Staying informed and involved
News travels fast and this has never been more true than in the age of the Internet. The websites of local and national media outlets are continuously updated with new and important information regarding current events. Keeping abreast of what’s going on in the world around them can be very helpful in keeping the elderly from feeling isolated, which often leads to depression.
Keeping in contact with family and friends
Computerized mail, also known as e-mail, allows us to instantly send letters and pictures to anyone anywhere in the world within seconds. For elderly people who may be living far away from their family and friends, e-mail is a great way of keeping in touch with their loved ones when it would be difficult for them to do otherwise.
Games and entertainment
Computers can also provide the elderly with games and activities that challenge all of their mental skills at once. Right brain thinking, left brain thinking, short and long term memory recollection, strategic planning, and utilizing deductive reasoning are just some of the ways that playing computer games can exercise the mind while keeping us entertained.
If you would like more information on home health care and how we ourselves use computers to give you an excellent service why not contact us for a chat.