April is National Card and Letter Writing Month, and this once common activity has numerous benefits for seniors who have chosen assisted living as their premier elder care option. Today, most people send texts or emails rather than write letters or cards, except for special occasions.

In reality, though, there are numerous benefits that everyone, regardless of age, can gain by participating in this simple activity. For a senior living at one of these assisted communities, there may be activities, arts and crafts, creative writing sessions, and other events regularly to help them enjoy each day and possibly gain other benefits.

What could the benefits be for somebody of advancing years who sits down to write letters or cards? Let’s look at a few ideas here.

 

1. Great mental stimulation.

Although most people today would turn to texting a family member or friend or sending an email rather than sitting down to handwrite a letter, there is great value in writing letters and even notes on cards.

Stimulating the brain helps seniors, especially those at risk for developing certain types of dementia or who are facing memory challenges. The more stimulation the brain gets, the more it can help these individuals, even after they have been diagnosed.

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia just yet, there are treatment options available that can help. When they stimulate the brain and activate those neural connections, there is a chance this can slow down the progression of memory loss in the later stages (Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation).

 

2. A more personal connection.

When you sit down to handwrite a letter to a loved one, you do something requiring more effort and thought. Some people might start a letter and crinkle it up, throw away the page, and start over multiple times before they get to the heart of what they want to say.

Others may ask about grandchildren, great-grandchildren, spouses, or other topics the senior may want to learn more about. They often do so by writing letters rather than making phone calls and certainly sending emails.

Sitting down and corresponding with letters rather than emails or texting creates a more personal connection and a deeper bond, which is often missed these days.

 

3. Receiving letters reminds the senior he/she is still loved.

Not all seniors will have a smartphone or tablet. Even those that do may not use them very often, so receiving a text from their grandchildren or an email from their adult daughter, for example, may not mean the same as a letter.

But when I receive mail, something special happens. It’s like going away to summer camp as a child for several weeks, hearing that first “mail call” announcement, and holding that letter from mom and dad in your hand.

This month, seniors who choose any form of elder care, including assisted living, could benefit from loved ones starting to write letters to them.

If you or an aging loved one is considering a move to Assisted Living in Troon North, AZ, don’t hesitate to contact the caring staff at MD Senior Living today. 480-267-9200