From Baking to Crafting, We’re Using Creativity to Foster Brain Health

Finding ways for older adults to sharpen their cognitive function, in turn enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life, is a constant conversation. Research has shown that engaging one’s mind in meaningful activities can help keep the mind sharp. In fact, Dr. Nikhil Satchidanand, a research assistant professor at the University of Buffalo with expertise in motor development and aging, was awarded a $71,690 grant for a brain health project designed to better understand the impact that community-based art-making and thinking-while-moving has on the brain and motor function among seniors. This shows just how important the topic is!

Promoting creativity is key to helping seniors stay sharp as they age. Keep reading to learn about some of the activities that Juniper Glen Memory Care in Buffalo, NY, offers to help its residents get their creative juices flowing.

Busy Bakers

One of the most fun (and delicious) ways to help our residents get creative is through our Busy Bakers activity, which happens every Thursday. Baking allows residents to experiment with different flavors and decorating techniques– everyone makes something unique! Plus, residents get to share their Busy Bakers creations with community members, which can lead to a boost in self-confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment. When talking about spending time with the residents, Juniper Glen’s Maintenance Director Jim Neuman said, “… I like when they do Busy Bakers so I can taste the yummy foods they make!”

Music n’ Motion

Because our residents love it so much, we offer our Music n’ Motion activity every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Music n’ Motion is a sing-along paired with movements designed specifically for seniors. The activity is great for seniors of any capability, as it can be done while seated. These sessions serve as a creative outlet for residents to release their emotions and boost their moods.

Hangman Game

We’ve likely all played the old–school guessing game called Hangman. In this game, one player thinks of a word, phrase, or sentence, and presents them as blanks for the other player to guess by suggesting letters. This game allows our residents to get creative by choosing fun phrases–it’s so much fun to play a round when adding a theme, such as places, dog breeds or car types, among other things. You can find our residents enjoying this game every Thursday!

Craft Time

Crafting is an excellent way for residents to express themselves and make something they are proud of. What’s more rewarding than being able to give art to friends or keep it in your room to admire? Every Friday you can be sure to see our superstar residents getting creative at 3 pm, our designated crafting time! Whether it be wreath-making, painting, or artificial flower arranging, we offer a fun variety of crafts for all residents to enjoy.

Holiday Decorating

At Juniper Glen, we love to celebrate holidays and bring excitement to our residents. From Hanukkah to Chinese New Year to Easter, we make sure all of the holidays our residents celebrate are included in our calendar. What better way to get residents in the holiday spirit than by letting them decorate? Our residents get creative by making decorations and helping place them around the community for a fun holiday experience.

If you’re looking for a community that provides plenty of activities for helping your loved one stay sharp and have fun as they age, then you will love Juniper Glen.

To learn more about our transitional assisted living and memory care community or to schedule a tour of Juniper Glen, contact our friendly team today.

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