What can the Herby Ham Activity Center do for you?

Article from the Herby Ham Activity Center

01-22-26

Benefits of chair yoga for seniors include:

Improved balance and flexibility
Pain management
Increased mobility
Improved mental health
Convenience and accessibility
Enhanced muscle strength
Reduced stress
Better posture

Benefits of chair exercises for health include:

Improved posture
Strengthened shoulders
Lubricated knee joints
Increased upper body flexibility
Exercise for joints
Calorie burning
Improved muscle strength
Enhanced circulation
Better balance
Overall quality of life
Improved energy levels

Benefits of water aerobics for seniors include:

Increased flexibility and improved heart and lung function
Strength building with gentle resistance from the water
Improved balance and reduced risk of injury from falls
Reduced arthritis and joint pain
Increased flexibility and balance
Decreased bone and muscle loss
Improved cardio functions

Benefits of Curves exercise¹ ²:

Incorporates both upper body and lower body strength training exercises, cardio moves, and stretching.
Allows you to work every major muscle group.
Uses hydraulic resistance gym equipment specially designed for women.
Suitable for a variety of fitness levels.

There is no definitive answer to whether workout machines are effective or not. Some people believe that workout machines are very effective, while others believe that they are not as effective as free weights or bodyweight exercises. Workout machines can be effective when used correctly, but they are not perfect for everyone. Machines can be useful to achieve certain fitness goals, and they are a great tool for beginners as they teach proper form and reduce the risk of injury. Free weight and body weight exercises have their advantages, as do machines.

Pickleball offers several health benefits for seniors, including:

1.Balance and Agility: The game involves quick movements, changes in

direction, and rapid reflexes.

2.Cardiovascular Health: Pickleball provides continuous movement,

including brisk walking, jogging, and quick lateral movements.

3.Cognitive Function: Playing pickleball can help maintain cognitive

function.

4.Joint Health and Flexibility: The sport promotes joint health and flexibility.

5.Mood and Mental Well-Being: Engaging in pickleball can positively impact

mood and mental well-being.

6.Muscular Strength and Endurance: Regular play helps build muscular

strength and endurance.

7.Social Engagement: Pickleball is a social activity that encourages

interaction and engagement.

The two hemispheres of your brain control different functions. The left side of your brain controls analytic and logical thinking and the right-side controls creativity. When you are working on puzzles, you are engaging on both sides and giving your brain a real mental workout.

PUTTING TOGETHER PUZZLES

Putting puzzles together uses both sides of your brain.
They Improve Your Memory

Working on puzzles reinforce the connections between our brain cells – and form new ones – so they are a great way to improve short-term memory. We use memory in the process of completing a jigsaw puzzle when we remember shapes, sizes, and pieces and visualize where they fit in. Studies have shown that the growth of new brain connections that are formed to help reduce the amount of brain damage in Alzheimer’s patients.

The ability to solve problems and think criticallyis useful in almost any life situation and puzzles help us develop these skills. Since puzzles require us to take different approaches to solve them, we learn how to work by trial and error, formulate and test theories, and how to change tracks if not successful according to USA Today.
They Improve Visual and Spatial Reasoning

You need to be able to look at individual parts of a jigsaw puzzle, or available spaces in a crossword puzzle and figure out how to fit the pieces or words into their space. If done regularly, according to USA Today, this will improve your visual and spatial reasoning skills and that translates into being a better driver and can make you a Tetris-like packer (especially when loading your car to take a college-age child to school).

They Enhance Your Mood

One of the brain benefits of puzzles is that they increase the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, memory, and concentration. Dopamine is released with every success as we solve the puzzle. No wonder puzzles are so much fun!

They Lower Your Stress Levels

Puzzles invigorate our brains, but they are also very relaxing. While we are concentrating on how to solve the puzzle, our minds are only on one task and that encourages our brains to go into a meditative state. This leads to better mindset and better stress coping skills.

They can Improve Your IQ Score

Since puzzles can improve our memory, concentration, vocabulary, and reasoning skills it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that they also raise our IQs. A study at the University of Michigan showed that doing puzzles for at least 25 minutes a day can boost your IQ by 4 points.

Socialization and improved mood.

Help with the grieving process.
Building self-esteem.
Living with fun and purpose.

Sewing has several benefits for the elderly¹ ² ³:

Improves hand-eye coordinationand keeps the mind sharp.
Enhances cognitive development and motor skills.

Crocheting can provide several benefits for seniors, including:

Increased emotional well-being, such as stress relief, improved
self-esteem, sense of accomplishment, and personal growth.
improved cognitive and physical abilities, such as improved cognitive ability and memory, increased dexterity, and fine motor skills.
Enhanced hand-eye coordination, concentration, and creativity.
Reduced or postponed dementia.

Quilting has several physical benefits for elderly people. These benefits include:

Benefits of Woodworking for Seniors

Woodworking is a great hobby for seniors that offers numerous physical and mental benefits. Not only does it provide an avenue for creative expression, but it also serves as a therapeutic activity that can improve overall well-being. In this section, we will explore the reasons why woodworking is particularly suitable for seniors and how it can positively impact their lives.

One of the key benefits of woodworking for seniors lies in its physical nature. Engaging in woodworking activities involves using different muscle groups, promoting strength and flexibility. The act of sawing, sanding, and shaping wood can also serve as a form of gentle exercise, providing a low-impact workout that keeps joints limber and muscles toned. With proper technique and tools designed for seniors, woodworking can be an enjoyable way to stay active while also creating beautiful pieces of craftsmanship.

Furthermore, woodworking offers numerous mental benefits for seniors. It provides an opportunity to exercise cognitive skills such as problem-solving, spatial awareness, and hand-eye coordination. The focus required during woodworking tasks can also promote mindfulness, allowing seniors to escape from the daily stresses and immerse themselves in a relaxing and fulfilling activity. Whether it’s building functional furniture or crafting decorative items, woodworking provides a sense of accomplishment that boosts self-confidence and enhances overall mental well-being

BENEFITS OF PLAYING CARDS FOR SENIORS

Playing cards is an enjoyable and beneficial activity for older adults. Here are some of the benefits of playing cards:

Line Dancing

Benefits of line dancing for seniors include:

Improved balance and coordination.
Reduced risk of falls.
Increased cardiovascular health.
Enhanced brain memory.
Effective treatment for Alzheimer’s, dementia, and depression.
Social interaction and community building.

Bingo

Increases Social Engagement Games for senior citizens, like bingo, are great because it increases social engagement. Seniors often struggle with isolation. …
Allows for Reflection and Memory Recall One of the best sit down games for senior citizens is Life Experience Bingo. …
Decreases the Risk of Mental Illness …
Improves Cognitive Function …
Improves Memory …
Better Hand-Eye Coordination …