We don’t want to appear ungrateful for your generosity in the past or too pushy about Christmas, and birthday presents to come, but we thought you might welcome some ideas to make choosing easier, and less time consuming
Firstly we think that you have always spent too much on us in times past and in present times you need to think of your own needs first – inflation and heating costs are terrifying and our preference would be for you to dig us out at least once a week for a good brisk walk, but your time is another scarce resource we know
But we are now getting ready for the new year and our Resolutions and we have read a lot about the benefits of activity, physical and mental and how we can even reduce the risk of dementia. So we are planning a New Year’s Revolution, never mind a New Year’s Resolution, and there are gifts that could help us reduce the risk of dementia, and other nasties, and live independently for longer and be less of a bloomin nuisance to you in the years to come
Love from Mum and Dad
Words by Sir Muir Gray.
THE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE IS STRONG - YOU CAN INCREASE THE ABILITY OF YOUR BRAIN AND MIND, AND REDUCE YOUR RISK OF DEMENTIA. Find out more here
For 12 days starting Monday 12 December we will be sharing gift ideas that will increase physical, cognitive and emotional activity for the older members of your family and friendship groups, to help them to recondition, rejuvenate and reduce their risk of dementia too. Why not make 2022 the year you give gifts that enable the older adults in your life to live longer better in 2023.
Day 1
Alternative gift idea number 1 – swap a pair of slippers for a pair of trainers. Older adults should be aiming to walk briskly for 30 minutes a day for optimal health – this could be tracked through the NHS Active 10 app. Regular physical exercise may be a beneficial strategy to lower the risk of Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Exercise may directly benefit brain cells by increasing blood and oxygen flow in the brain. Equip the older adults in your life with comfortable shoes that are fit for purpose and get them striding out with confidence in 2023.
Day 2
Alternative gift idea number 2 – a book of cryptic crosswords. Challenging your brain and mind can help to reduce your risk of developing dementia. Help to improve the cognitive ability of the older adults in your life with a challenging puzzle or two rather than a pair of socks.
Day 3
Alternative gift idea number 3 – a set of resistance bands. All adults and older adults should aim to do activities that aim to build strength on at least 2 days a week – a set of resistance bands is a cost and space effective way to give someone the necessary equipment to help them keep their muscles, bones and joints strong. Much better than a box of chocolates!
Day 4
Alternative gift idea number 4 – an electric toothbrush. A two minute timer toothbrush is the perfect way to remind an older person you care about to stand on one leg for 2 minutes when brushing their teeth – to improve their strength and balance as well as helping them to care for their gums and teeth!
