Cognitive Fitness for Older Adults

Posted: November 8, 2022

If we don’t exercise our bodies, our muscles lose their health or “tone.” While the brain is not a muscle, the same applies to our cognitive fitness—if we don’t use it, we lose it. The focus in senior living has begun to shift from prioritizing physical condition only, to that of including cognitive fitness for older adults as well.

Receiving physical care is often what attracts residents to senior living communities and Physical Health is one of our core principles, including strength training and aerobic exercise. However, at purpose-driven communities such as Cappella of Pueblo West, encouraging residents to discover or re-discover interests and passions is what helps them to thrive, both physically and cognitively. Our Rhythms Life enrichment (LE) programs are built upon the “Five Pillars of Wellbeing”: social connection, intellectual engagement, purposeful living, physical health and spiritual growth. Providing residents with opportunities to achieve and keep the brain active and healthy. A Harvard Publishing study done in March of 2020 found that, “If you believe you can improve and you translate that belief into practice, you have a better chance of keeping your mind sharp.”

Although residents sometimes focus on what they used to be able to do, we offer alternatives that may open new doors and provide opportunities for learning and subsequently new brain growth! Our community enthusiastically promotes lifelong learning through mental puzzles, foreign language, and technology, for example. BBC author David Robson reinforces the importance of our Intellectual Pillar: “Your brain still has an astonishing ability to learn and master many new skills, whatever your age. And the effort to master a new discipline may be more than repaid in maintaining and enhancing your overall cognitive health.”

A common misconception about community living is that once a resident arrives, they are at the mercy of someone else. In our communities, residents enjoy the freedom to choose what they want to do. Our Purposeful Living Wellness Pillar is reflected in the life enrichment calendar which is full of activities, classes, events and excursions suggested, developed and often led by residents. The empowerment generated by this type of decision-making encourages ownership within the community and new growth within oneself. Social Connections are fostered through activities such as book clubs and restaurant outings, while prayer and religious studies can pave the way toward Spiritual Growth.

Visit Cappella of Pueblo West and discover how community living can enhance your life and bring new opportunities for purpose and growth!