[For Seniors] Enjoyable Brain Training! Finger Exercises That Help Prevent Dementia
Moving the fingers helps activate the brain, so it’s recommended as a recreational activity for older adults.
Finger exercises can be done while seated, making them safe and easy to start.
There are many ideas—such as doing different movements with each hand or coordinating with songs—so they can be enjoyed according to each person’s physical and mental condition.
Also, by adding ideas like speaking aloud while moving the fingers, you can make the exercises even more enjoyable.
Since these exercises can be done anywhere, they’re also great for filling small pockets of free time.
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[For Seniors] Enjoyable Brain Training! Introducing Finger Exercises That Help Prevent Dementia (51–60)
Finger Separation Exercise
It’s an exercise where you press your palms together and gradually lift each finger away while counting numbers.
Because you count out loud as you go, it also serves as brain training while moving your fingers.
The key is to keep the other fingers pressed to your palm, except for the one you’re counting.
Once you reach the little finger, raise your hands back up while counting to 10 again.
You can adjust the speed of the count or practice by counting beyond 10.
Try this fun finger exercise—it’s also great for encouraging communication among residents.
finger spinning
Finger rotations performed with the fingertips of both hands touching are an exercise that can provide substantial stimulation to the brain by intentionally moving the fingertips.
Shape both hands like a dome, bring the fingertips together, and, focusing on the base of each finger, rotate them in circles one by one starting with the thumbs.
Because the ring and little fingers are harder to move, concentrating on moving them can be expected to activate the brain even more.
If you strain yourself by trying too hard, you may injure your fingers or wrists.
It may be helpful to play some relaxing music and perform the movements slowly and with large motions.
Finger exercises to break the monotony
This is a fairly challenging finger exercise where each hand moves differently.
One hand makes a thumbs-up gesture, the other makes an OK sign, and you alternate them back and forth.
Similarly, alternate between a regular scissors (peace sign) and a scissors made with the thumb and index finger, switching sides as you go.
Next, increase the difficulty: keep a thumbs-up with one hand while counting with the other.
You’ll add one to the count each time you switch hands, which can get confusing! There’s also an exercise where you cross your arms while counting.
All of these are a bit more advanced, so they’re great when your finger exercises start to feel monotonous.
Finger exercises while marching in place
This is a finger exercise that stimulates the brain with hand movements while adding a fitness boost by stepping your feet! Repeat the hand pattern “rock–scissors–paper with claps,” and move your feet to the rhythm of the music.
Start at a relaxed pace and gradually pick up the tempo.
You can do it without strain by adjusting to your condition: move your feet while seated, march in place while standing, or move only your hands to the rhythm.
That’s the beauty of this exercise! It’s also perfect for large-group recreation, so be sure to give it a try.
In conclusion
Finger exercises that you can enjoy easily may look simple, but when you actually try them, they’re surprisingly tricky.
Even if you can’t do them well yet, try incorporating them into your regular recreation and start at a slow pace.
Steady effort will pay off, and the sense of achievement when you finally get it will be unforgettable! Give it a try for reference.