Brain health: the importance of mental stimulation for the elderly

Mental stimulation for older adults

Older adults who live alone may struggle with isolation and loneliness, especially if they are unable to get involved in their community or manage their home independently. Here, we are looking at why mental stimulation can be just as important as managing health when it comes to home care for elderly people, stimulating activities that could help, and how to tailor them to individual abilities.At Home Instead, our aim is to help people age positively and in place by bringing expert care to their home. For nearly 20 years, we have been providing the highest standard of care, and creating industry-leading training programmes for our Care Professionals that are accredited by nursing and medical professionals. Today, we are the world’s largest global domiciliary care network, supporting over 100,000 older adults with personalised, tailored care at home. So whatever questions you have about mental stimulation in older adults, we can help.

7 Types of Stimulating Activities for the Elderly 

There are many ways to keep the brain engaged as people get older, and these can be divided into several categories, all of which have different benefits: 

Cognitive Exercises  

Cognitive exercises are essentially anything that makes us think, and there are many options that could support mental stimulation in older adults and preserve their memory, focus and problem-solving skills. These might include:

• Crossword puzzles to encourage word recall, language skills, general knowledge, and promote conversation with friends (there are often large-print versions available for those who struggle with their eyesight).
• Memory card games to improve short-term memory and attention, such as matching pair games that require quick memorising and recalling information (this can be adapted for older people with dementia who may need a simpler version).
• Number-based games such as Sudoku, which encourage thinking, counting and focus to complete, and can support an older person’s independence with tasks they may come across in daily life. 

You can learn more in our guide to games for for dementia patients.

Creative Pursuits  

Getting creative is not only an enjoyable pastime, but it can have benefits for mental stimulation in older people. One study on older adults who learned creative activities like quilting or digital photography saw more memory improvement than those who carried out less cognitively demanding activities. Plus, research on older people who took part in creative endeavors like music, theatre, dance, and creative writing found these activities improved their quality of life, wellbeing, memory and self-esteem.Some creative pursuits worth exploring include:

• Reminiscence therapy, which is sometimes recommended by the Alzheimer’s Society to recall particular moments or periods of time from the past using tools like photo albums, memory boxes, or just conversations. A 2022 study found reminiscence therapy increased cognitive functions and quality of life in participants, and decreased depression and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
• Adapted art therapy, which involves things like sketching, painting or arts and crafts, can encourage creativity, focus, problem-solving and hand-eye coordination, while also being easily adapted to any skill level. This is a great way to encourage older adults to express themselves, and it can be tailored to the needs of the individual, for example, using arthritis-friendly tools. Art therapy is known to focus attention, provide enjoyment, and can even improve symptoms like anxiety.
• Music is an excellent creative hobby that could mean listening to music (such as playlists of music from their youth) or making music (such as creating a non-judgemental environment that allows them to pick back up an instrument they once played). Music can bring up memories, and creating music can support motor skills in older people, as well as providing group enjoyment if done in a community setting. Music may even be recommended as an accompaniment to other treatments in the prevention of dementia, and through all phases of cognitive impairment. 

Physical Movement  

Physical movement is not often considered to be mentally stimulating, but it actually has a number of benefits for the brain as it increases blood flow to the area, and mood-enhancing hormones like serotonin. Some helpful forms of physical movement include:

• Chair yoga – This is great for gentle stretches that can improve concentration and balance without risking injury.
• Gardening – This provides both sensory stimulation from tasks like touching soil or plants, and encourages time outdoors which can improve overall mood. Activities like planting or pruning can also engage memory and planning skills, such as being aware of when to water, feed and re-pot plants. Try planting seeds, making a wildlife area, or creating a comfortable space to sit in the garden to encourage more outdoor time. For those who do not have their own garden, an indoor herb garden is a great alternative. You can learn more in our guide to how gardening helps older people.
• “Walk and talk” sessions – These can get older adults moving in a safe way, and also incorporate social connection with friends or caregivers. According to a 2023 study, walking helps to minimise the risk of developing health conditions like cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and cognitive impairments like dementia. It is also helpful for improving mental wellbeing and sleep.
• Golf can be a fantastic sport for older people as it combines mental stimulation, hand-eye coordination, gentle exercise, and social connection. A 2021 study found golf could improve both walking speed and cognition in older adults, and there are even golf sessions around the UK designed for those living with dementia. 
• Resistance training helps to maintain muscle mass in older adults, and could also have cognitive benefits, with a 2015 study finding twice-weekly resistance training sessions in older people promoted memory and reduced atrophy of white matter in the brain when compared to other exercises focused on balance and toning.

You can learn more about safe physical activity in our guide to fitness and exercise for the elderly.

Social Connection  

Social connections can reduce isolation and loneliness, which can be particularly helpful for those who live alone. However, adding a social element to a cognitively stimulating activity could compound its benefits, and reduce dementia risk. Social connections can encourage conversations, memory recall, and emotional engagement, and these benefits can be found when taking part in activities like:

• Spending time with children, which can help to foster an intergenerational connection, whether that be grandchildren or taking part in storytime at a local school
• Joining a book club, which can encourage critical thinking skills when reviewing books, and prompt deeper conversations
• “Tea and chat” community programs that provide informal opportunities to spend time with other older people in the local area for spontaneous conversation 
• Visiting family, friends or neighbours to check in 
• Attending local senior centres hosting different events, such as chairobics or crafting groups 
• Religious group meetings offering weekly worship sessions with others who hold similar beliefs 
• Volunteer opportunities that facilitate conversations with others, and provide a sense of purpose by helping the local community in some way

A Health and Retirement Study of 7,000 participants aged 65 and older found those who had high social engagement (such as visiting neighbours or volunteering) had better cognitive health in later life, so this can be a helpful way for older people to spend their time. You can learn more about the importance of social connection in our guide to the signs of loneliness in the elderly.

Sensory Stimulation  

One simple way to engage older adults mentally is to use sensory stimulation, which can be especially helpful for those who may not be able to move around easily or leave their home. Sensory stimulation can engage the brain simply by using objects and environments that are interesting to look at, listen to, touch, taste or smell. For example:

• Using texture boards featuring a variety of materials such as soft fabrics, sandpaper, buttons or glitter can encourage exploration through touch and activate sensory pathways in the brain. A 2024 study found sensory stimulation helps to improve cognitive function, elevate emotional wellbeing and enhance quality of life. 
• Aromatherapy helps to stimulate the mind using pleasing scents like lavender or citrus to enhance emotions or generate interest. For example, a 2022 study found that an aromatherapy massage with lavender, chamomile and rosemary oil helped to reduce depression and anxiety in nursing home residents. Different aromatherapy oils provide different benefits. For example, lavender reduces stress, while rosemary oil is thought to improve brain function. 
• Tactile puzzles are helpful for combining both a challenging activity with a sensory experience. For example, a puzzle with large, brightly coloured pieces, an easy-twist Rubik’s Cube they can hold with both hands, or a dementia-friendly “busy board” that offers multiple fidget toys to keep their hands busy. 

Incorporating sensory activities into an older person’s routine can offer a novelty experience that engages senses they may not use every day, which can be particularly helpful for those with dementia.

Technology-Based Stimulation

Although many older people struggle to learn how to use certain technologies, getting them set up with technology-based activities can provide endless mental stimulation. For example: 

• Tablet-based games like word searches, Sudoku or memory-matching apps are easy to access, and you will never run out of game options if connected to the internet. These are often created with larger fonts and simple interfaces to make them more accessible to older adults who struggle with eyesight or conditions like dementia. 
• Virtual museum tours are a great way for older adults with mobility issues who cannot visit in person to explore art, history and culture that interests them, so they do not need to miss out on learning due to physical limitations. These tours can help to improve cognitive health through learning interesting facts and history.
• Digital artcan be done on a tablet, and does not require supplies like paints or water. Older adults who struggle to hold pencils or paint brushes can instead use their finger on a screen to create artwork from a comfortable chair if they have mobility issues.
• Video calls with faraway family members or those who cannot visit every week can offer significant mental stimulation by encouraging social connection, facilitating conversation, and providing opportunities to bond emotionally with loved ones. Seeing familiar faces can help to improve memory and communication skills, and boost mood. In a trial of almost 200 people aged 75+, regular video calls were found to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and social isolation.

Although a lot of screen time is not always the best option for someone who is isolated at home, facilitating this in moderation can promote mental agility, continued learning, and a sense of connection with others.

Daily Life Tasks  

Mental stimulation can be found in everyday life, and caregivers can turn mundane tasks into cognitively stimulating activities simply by involving older adults in decision making. Not only does this give them more autonomy over their life, but it can engage their brain in critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making. For example, planning out meals for the week by choosing interesting recipes from recipe books or online, making a shopping list of ingredients, preparing food and cooking can encourage memory use, organisational skills, and could even practice dexterity by getting involved in the cooking if possible. Older adults could also take on some of the household responsibilities if this is possible for them. Many tasks can be done while sitting in a chair if the person is unable to move around, such as folding laundry, writing birthday cards, or arranging flowers. If they can do more at home, tasks like watering plants or setting the table for dinner can create a routine and a sense of purpose while stimulating the brain with problem solving and creativity.By tailoring daily tasks to their abilities, they can feel a sense of accomplishment while also being mentally stimulated with meaningful tasks that help them participate in their own care to boost their confidence and enhance their quality of life.

Some other important factors to consider when encouraging older adults to take part in mentally stimulating activities include: 

• Timing – This is a crucial consideration for older adults, particularly if they are already experiencing cognitive decline. Choosing the wrong time of day or mood to suggest activities can make them less enjoyable or could lead to refusal, so consider what time they are most alert, engaged and positive. You should also consider timing activities so they are ‘short and sweet’ rather than drawn out and tiring for the person. 
• Managing frustration – If an older person becomes irritated or frustrated during the activity, certain redirection techniques could help to lead them back to a state of positivity and enjoyment, such as making the activity easier, switching to a simpler activity altogether, or taking a short break to discuss how they are feeling. Never force them to take part in things if they aren’t in the mood, and if possible, ask what they want to do or offer them choices before suggesting an activity. If they refuse to get involved, you could create sensory stimulation instead by putting on relaxing music instead of having them actively participate. 
• Individual abilities – If an older person has dementia, it is important to tailor activities to their stage of cognitive decline. For example:

• In early cognitive decline, the person may still be able to enjoy regular hobbies with some small adaptations to make them easier, such as baking with caregiver support, attending social events, or using a tablet to do regular memory games to stimulate recall.
• Those with moderate dementia may benefit from simplified tasks, step-by-step prompts, and more familiar, repetitive activities like counting games, or passive activities like singing along to nostalgic music. 
• In advanced dementia, the focus often shifts to more sensory and emotional stimulation such as tactile “busy boards”, aromatherapy, doll therapy or human companionship for comfort. At this stage it may be more important to manage any anxiety they feel by keeping activities simple, short and calm.   

Carers can make use of many UK resources, many of which are free:

• Local Age UK clubs offer group support, and Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) that provides stimulating activities
• Alzheimer’s Association has resources to connect carers and locate support groups
• NHS resourcesfor those with dementia and their caregivers
• Playlist for Lifeoffers personalised and curated playlists of music that are meaningful to each person 
• Dementia UKprovides more ideas for activity planning to engage older adults
• U3A is a UK-wide membership organisation offering local learning groups, online courses, general interest groups and one-off events to engage older adults and provide information on many subjects, from art to zoology

By tailoring activities and utilising available resources, caregivers can help to facilitate mental stimulation in older adults, which can benefit their physical, mental and emotional health. At Home Instead, we provide the tailored care you need, whether that means visiting care for companionship once a week while family members tend to other commitments, or more permanent live-in care to keep an older person regularly stimulated at home. Our Care Professionals are trained to provide the bespoke care needed to best engage each individual in order to keep them healthy and happy in their own home, so we work to learn the unique preferences and hobbies of each client, and create a personalised activity plan that engages their mind in a tailored, sustainable and enjoyable way. For the support you need, reach out to your local Home Instead office to discuss your options, including dementia care at home if relevant.We’re an award-winning home care provider and part of a worldwide organisation devoted to providing the highest-quality relationship-led care for older people in their own homes. Arranging care for yourself or your loved one shouldn’t be stressful, so whatever questions you would like answered, feel free to reach out to the Home Instead team to discuss your needs.