4. Brainercise for Week 7

TIP

Remember, it is not important whether these exercises are easy or difficult.

Over the course of the program, the participant will engage in numerous cognitive processes which is what will keep the healthy areas of their brain active.

This is what can build and strengthen their cognitive reserve and increase their brain’s neuroplasticity to help slow dementia-related decline.

TIP

There may be steps that they cannot complete depending on what area(s) of the brain have been damaged.

Use the Process-Focused Strategy Phrases to encourage them as much as possible and only complete the steps that they are unable to complete at all.

What matters is the participant attempts each of the steps to the best of their ability at this moment. 

TIP

Complete the Seated Stretch exercises before beginning to increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

Click the link to view the Seated Stretch Instructions: https://brainstimforseniors.com/lessons/2-motion-seated-stretch-instructions/

TIP

To relieve anxiety, also do the Just Breathe! exercise or one of the Mindfulness Moments exercises.

Click the link to view the Just Breathe! Instructions: https://brainstimforseniors.com/lessons/1-just-breathe-instructions/

Click the link to view the Mindfulness Moments Instructions: https://brainstimforseniors.com/lessons/3-mindfulness-moments-instructions/

TIP

Complete the GIG of the Day Emotional Support Activities prior to beginning the Brainrcise activity so everyone will be in a positive, happy state of mind.

Click the link to access the GIG of the Day Emotional Support Activities: https://brainstimforseniors.com/access-my-courses/emotional-support/

TIP

Click here for information about the process to follow when doing the Brainercise Exercises: https://brainstimforseniors.com/lessons/5-about-the-cognitive-engagements-of-the-day/

TIP

Before beginning the exercises, have the participant look back and forth to the right and then to the left a few times without moving the head.

Science suggests this movement increases concentration and problem-solving ability.

Brainercise 7a

Kit Supplies Needed:

Towel

Colored Balls

Instructions:

• Hold 2 opposite corners of the towel between your thumbs and index fingers.
• Move your arms apart until there is just a little dip in the middle of the towel.
• Choose one ball at a time in order of the color you like the least to the color you like the most.
• Pick a number from 6-17.
• AP: Using the order they chose, put a colored ball in the middle of the towel.
• Roll the ball from left to right, corner to corner, the number of times you chose, without letting the ball roll off the towel.
• Repeat until all five balls have been used.

Comments:

Brainercise 7b

Kit Supplies Needed:

none

Instructions:

Where were you when…How old were you? Where did you live? What was going on in your life at the time? Did the event affect you personally?

• 1956 Elvis released Blue Suede Shoes.
• 1951 I Love Lucy premiered.
• 1971 Disney World opened.
• 1964 The Beatles album, A Hard Days Night, was released.
• 1949 The first vinyl 45 record was released.
• 1965 The Sound of Music premiered.

Comments:

Brainercise 7c

Kit Supplies Needed:

1 Large Die

Instructions:

• Roll the dice on the table in front of you.
• Name items in the categories based on the number on the die.

Categories:

• Roll 1: Professions that wear a uniform.
• Roll 2: Medical Professionals.
• Roll 3: Foods you eat in a bowl
• Roll 4: Things you find on the ground
• Roll 5: Things you would find at an amusement park.
• Roll 6: Things you find at the grocery store.

Try not to repeat naming items you already used.

Comments:

Brainercise 7d

Kit Supplies Needed:

Popsicle Sticks

Instructions:

• Build a one-dimensional replica of a house you remember.

Comments:

AP: Discuss the house they remember. Find out as many details as you can. Did it have a chimney? How many stories did it have? Was there a garage or sidewalk? Were there trees in the yard. Help them design the house by reminding them of these details and any others that come out in your conversation.

Brainercise 7e

Kit Supplies Needed:

Ink Pen

Colored Pencils

1 Piece of Notebook Paper

Ruler

Instructions:

• Use the ruler to draw a square as large as possible on the index card.
• Use the ruler to draw a “cross” in the square to divide it into 4 smaller squares.
• Use the ruler to divide each of the 4 smaller squares into 4 squares each.
• Continue dividing each square as long as you can.
• Use the pencils to color each of the squares.

Comments:

AP: The size of the first square will determine how many times the squares can be divided. Stop at whichever step they are capable of doing themselves and go straight to coloring.

Brainercise 7f

Nostalgia Exercise Instructions:

• Listen to or sing the suggested Nostalgia Song or one of your choice as many times as you like and time allows.
• What were you doing in life when this song was popular?
• How does hearing this song now make you feel?

Brainercise 7g

Neuron Exercise Instructions:

• Listen to the suggested Neuron Song or one of your choice.
• While listening, focus on the lyrics (or melody).
• Next, listen during the verses or main melody.
• Try to sing along during the chorus (the part that repeats).
• It does not matter if you sing the lyrics correctly or not.
• Repeat the process as many times as time and preference allows.

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