Memory Activities for the Elderly

Age-related memory loss can be very frustrating to elderly people. The loss of memory makes seniors feel embarrassed, confused and even depressed. In many situations, an elderly person sits alone at home or in his room at a retirement home, further exacerbating memory loss through brain atrophy. But certain activities can help retain memory power and often can even strengthen an elderly person's memory skills.

Sing with Me

• Songs can stick with us for our entire lifetime. Often, an elderly person who has trouble remembering what she did today can belt out a song from many years ago. Play music in a recreation area, dining room or in hallways to provide seniors with opportunities to hear familiar tunes.
  Have a sing-along or even a karaoke activity. Encourage those who are quietly singing the words to help lead the songs.

Photo Memory Game

• Take photos of the staff where the elderly person stays, or of the caretakers and family members that come to her home. To make a memory match game, mount each photo onto a thick and easy-to-grasp piece of cardboard; then make matching cards on which the the first name of the person and his function---such as "DOCTOR"---are printed. Depending on the ability of the elderly person, place the cards face up or face down to play the game. Have the elderly person choose a photo, then try to match it with the person's name and function.

Social Hour

• Social contact with other people helps reduce the risk of further memory loss in an elderly person. The simple action of socializing helps with brain function, and it also helps reduce depression in the elderly. Have a tea time social hour. Watch a movie as a group, with a discussion time afterward. Invite someone to read to a small group of elderly people or lead an interactive book group or Bible study.

Board Games with Children

• Invite a class or group of children to visit the elderly, and have them bring board games. The senior citizens can play with games with the children, which provides them with a memory activity as well as an enjoyable time with the companionship of the children.

Games on Paper

• Keep a supply of word searches, crossword puzzles, tic-tac-toe grids or even connect-the-dots pictures. Keeping the mind busy with a game to play alone or with a friend will help retain memory skills for some seniors and will challenge those who feel confident to tackle the games.

Cater to Specific Interests

• Provide materials that pique the interests of seniors. If an elderly person has always been a bird watcher or a fisherman, provide books, magazines and even documentary movies about the topic. If some of the ladies have always quilted, take them out to a quilt show, or bring the show to them, and provide reading and video materials for them to take advantage of.
  A farmer may enjoy the "Farmer's Almanac," farming magazines and even visits from area farmers.

Enlist the Senior's Help with Tasks

• Let seniors help bake cakes or decorate cookies, fold towels, water plants and straighten up books in the library. Have a community garden or flower beds for the elderly folks to help with as much as they want. Work in groups to encourage storytelling and fun conversation.