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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 5 MAY 2019 ELDERLY CARE S6 WE already know that a healthy lifestyle is a major factor in living a long life, but new studies show that having hobbies and staying socially active is equally important for seniors. It has long been known that a nutritious diet, exercise and positive health choices all contribute to helping seniors feel more energetic. In fact, emerging research into longevity indicates that mental and social activity is just as critical as physical activity when it comes to healthy aging. Hobbies, leisure activities and a rich social network are factors that correlate with avoiding isolation and living longer. Caring for a Pet Pets provide a comfort sys- tem and actually produce a chemical chain reaction in the brain that helps to lower levels of the stress-inducing hormone cortisol and in- crease the production of the feel-good hormone serotonin. In fact, pets have been shown to reduce blood pressure and stress levels in humans and can actually help lower cho- lesterol, fight depression and help protect against heart conditions. All great reasons for sen- iors to have a pet! Learn more about some of the best dog breeds for seniors. Volunteering Giving back to your commu- nity, making new friends, and making people smile - what's not to love about volunteer- ing? Many seniors get in- volved in volunteering when they retire after a lifetime of work. There are always plenty of opportunities to volunteer, whether it's with your local church or religious group, with a homeless shelter or soup kitchen, an animal shel- ter, or even a literacy non- profit or your local library. Games From scrabble to cards, games can keep the seniors' mind sharp and focused. Adults who love mentally stimulating games are said to have sharper thinking skills than young people. Higher education has been said to decrease the risk of cognitive decline. Educated adults have been known to have a desirable connection of synapses in their brains. This reduces the effect of dementia and Alz- heimer's. You could also keep your brain fit by engaging in crossword puzzles. Baking Baking is not just a fad for those who have extra time at hand. It is an amazing thera- peutic activity for elderly peo- ple who love to cook. Although most recipes use exotic ingredients, baking should be an inexpensive ac- tivity. This is a hobby that allows the elderly to stay creative, express themselves, and re- lax. It takes all your attention, allowing you to meditate and stimulate the senses. Dancing Not only is dancing a fun activity, but it is also a hobby that can help the elderly so- cialise and stay fit. It involves a slow and relaxing pace, an opportunity that allows the elderly to enjoy the beauty of movement. It offers the opportunity to exercise and relax. Dancing is known to improve balance, functionality and gait. It also reduces the risk of falling, im- mobility and fractures. Stanford Social Dance did a study that showed how ball- room dancing can lower the risk of dementia. Researchers believed that seniors tend to be mentally challenged to fol- low complicated moves. Hobbies for the elderly