Keeping your mind active is one the most important things you can do to keep your brain sharp. Just like the muscles in your arms and legs, your brain is a muscle that needs to be worked out regularly. Attempting to learn new things is a good way to stay focused and productive.
The internet is one of the best tools that seniors can utilize, but for many reasons they resist all attempts at trying to teach them. My mom is no different. I’ve tried many different ways to try to get her interested in learning how to use technology and she just flat out refuses.
I was the same way up until a few years ago. Oh, I knew a few things like how to get on the internet and how to go to websites if I were booking a hotel or looking up an event, but that was the extent of my knowledge. I had never been on Facebook and had no idea what Twitter was. It wasn’t until I published my first blog post with the help of my daughter that I became interested in technology. Now, it’s a love affair that has bloomed into not only a passion but a profession.
By stepping out of my comfort zone and allowing myself to be taught a few things a whole new form of communication was opened up to me and I have never looked back. By opening myself up to the online world I found a community so much bigger than the confines of my home where I spend 95% of my time. It has created opportunities for me that I could never have dreamed of.
I would love to be able to share some of this wonderful new world with mom. I know she would fall in love with Pinterest and would probably be banned from Facebook in the first hour if only she would try. I read an article on SeniorAdvice.com called “Logging On and Branching Out: Positive Effects of Internet Usage for seniors”. In the article the benefits of becoming one with the computer were outstanding. Now, if I could only get her to read it.
I started my blog because moving to a new state, dealing with a new diagnosis of RA, and becoming a caregiver to my mother who has Alzheimer’s in a short two-year span knocked me flat. I sank into the abyss of depression that ended up affecting my health causing me to eventually be hospitalized with a vocal cord injury. After talking with my doctor I realized that I needed to find ways to cope with the amounts of stress that I dealt with every single day.
So I started learning about Alzheimer’s and Caregiving and I started writing. ‘Every single day I would write about what was going on in our life. It became a place where I could say all the things I couldn’t say out loud. As a caregiver, your number one job is to be a terrific actress. No matter what you are feeling you can never let it show. Whether you’re stressed or upset, or maybe just a little tired you just can’t show it. After a while, all of that hiding causes things like the ulcer that now resides inside my stomach.
My therapy became my blog and it has been one of the best things to ever happened to me. I can honestly say that with the knowledge I’ve gained from the internet I have managed to improve every aspect of my life. Because I’m keeping my mind constantly working and learning new things each and every day. Whether it’s a new recipe or watching a baby panda in China the opportunities are endless. Just make sure you practice safe surfing!
I know by looking at my family tree that Alzheimer’s is in my future and it’s up to me to keep it as far ahead of me as possible and now I feel equipped to do just that. I’m a firm believer that knowledge is power and there’s a whole world of information to be discovered.
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This is a sponsored post, but all of the ideas and words are my very own.
Two key things to help you stave off memory loss yourself are: keep moving (exercise) and reduce sugar intake. I know it’s easy to say and harder to do given your jam packed day. However, these two habits are proving to be key in pushing back any predispositions for dementia.
kymberlyfunfit recently posted…Two “Hidden” Spots in Venice, Italy
Thank you for that advice.
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. How great that you started writing your blog to help you through the days. It is a win-win for all. When you share your thoughts and experiences with others, you are helping them as well.
Thank you, that is so sweet of you to say.
This is so true which is why I love conducting workshops for boomers and seniors.
Thank you for your comments.
Research is active and ongoing and I have every hope that the corner will be turned soono on this. My father’s experience was scary to me so I’m always noting my own situation for “do I have it?”
Carol Cassara recently posted…Cruising Portugal’s beautiful Douro River
While some of us may complain about the amount of time the Internet can eat up, it really can be a lifeline. I’m glad it provides an outlet and connection for you. And we, your readers, reap the benefits of your output!
Keeping those brain synapses active through learning and challenging ourselves with new things is key. We’re all hoping for the best but in the meantime, you’re right, Rena. Let’s keep flexing ALL the muscles we have, body and mind. 🙂
You are doing what will help you long term now! If your Mom never was comfortable with the computer before the dementia took hold it is hard to start now, but you can show her cat videos to make her laugh!
Haralee recently posted…The Waning Sex Appeal of Home Ownership
You are such an amazing person, Rena. I am so glad you started blogging because otherwise I might never have met you. xo
You don’t know that Alzheimer’s is in your future; you know there’s a better than average chance….except that since so many people get it and other forms of dementia who have no family histories, genes for it etc, and others who have the two don’t—nobody knows.
So keep doing what you’ve been doing….
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Wow Rena, you are truly an amazing person. I agree…knowledge is power! There is a whole world opening up in research for sure. I totally understand how difficult it is being caregiver. I’ve done it three times. God bless for all of the amazing work you do in helping others. This information can really transform someone’s life!
Carolann recently posted…How To Get Your Eyebrows On Fleek
There is always so much to learn – it’s exciting! We could never get my mother in law to even buy a computer, although I know she would have enjoyed it very much.
Lana recently posted…Motivational Monday XLIX
I love how much your deciding to share via your blog has resulted in the enrichment of your life. I’m happy to have “met” you in the blogosphere.
Karen @BakingInATornado recently posted…With a Smile and a Wink
How come I missed this post? I swear I didn’t find it in my inbox! Anyways, I really enjoyed your article Rena. Not only because just like you blogging has saved my life. I think many of us would join in saying that it has replaced therapy and enriched our lives in so many ways. I’m certainly glad I found you Rena on my blogging journey! xx Abby
Abby@midlifecrisisnut.com recently posted…Paris on a Budget – The 100% Free Guide
I’m so glad I found you as well, you have always been a big part of my support system!
Love the newsletter! Hope it results in an increase in traffic because everything you write has value. It’s gotten to the ridiculous point where I secretly rejoice when someone tells me they struggle taking caring of their aging parent — my next question invariably is “Have you heard of the Diary of an Azheimers Caregiver?”
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Thank you so much for your support and friendship, it truly means so much to me.