According to alz.org, around 5 million individuals in the US currently have Alzheimer’s disease. They expect that this number could rise to 16 million by 2050. Furthermore, 1 in 10 of Americans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of dementia.
While these are not fun statistics to hear, it is important to stay educated on what you can do to help prevent you and your loved ones from getting this disease.
One of the best things you can do to prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia is to continue stimulating your brain, and hobbies are a great way to do this. The catch is that new hobbies stimulate your brain much more than hobbies you’ve enjoyed your whole life. While there’s nothing wrong with continuing life-long hobbies such as crossword puzzles or cross-stitching, it’s best when you can add new hobbies in addition to the familiar ones. Below you will find 5 new hobbies you should consider starting today!
1. Learn an Instrument
The musical options are endless. Purchase a keyboard, guitar, or even a harmonica. Take lessons with an instructor, or use YouTube tutorials to teach yourself. Get your spouse or a friend to learn it with you, and you can play together! Start by learning the basics, then challenge yourself more and more. The more you challenge yourself, the happier your brain will be.
2. Learn a Language
Did you know that there are almost 7,000 languages in the world? Seven thousand. Chances are you don’t know all of them, and it’s never too late to start learning. Learn Italian and reward yourself with a trip Italy once you’re fluent. Talk about incentive!
3. Socialize
That’s right, spend time with your friends and family! Your brain is stimulated whenever you see and interact with your friends, which lowers your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Join a community club, start your own club, or simply carve out more time for spending with friends.
4. Get Crafty
There are so many creative ways to keep your mind sharp. If you’re an artist, consider trying out a new area, such as water color painting, oil painting, sketching, or even calligraphy. If you’re a builder, consider taking woodworking or pottery classes. Make yourself a new coffee table and coffee mugs to go with it!
5. Get Active
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia. Plus, it makes you feel great. Plan an evening walk into your daily routine, join a water aerobics class at your local gym, and spend some time stretching every night before bed.
So what are you waiting for? Do yourself a favor and go pick a new hobby or two to start today!
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replacemedical recommendations. Please speak to your health practitioner for insights on Alzheimer's and dementia.
