Dealing With Getting Older

I hate coming to the conclusion that I'm getting older. One year shy of 50, I know I can hear everyone say that isn't old but I'll tell ya, Im starting to feel old especially since social media is buzzing with channel 6's Lee Nelson and his amazing shape. I think I missed the boat. There is some science to support my theory though.

I've read studies that adults are often encouraged to stay active and engaged to keep their minds sharp, kind of a “use it or lose it.” But new research indicates that only certain activities work. You have to learn a mentally demanding skill like photography, or a new language to improve cognitive functioning.

According to a study at the Association for Psychological Science, they reveal that less demanding activities, such as simply listening to music or completing word puzzles, probably won’t bring noticeable benefits to an aging mind. Great, so now I have to exert myself.

Denise Park, a researcher on the study says;

“It seems it is not enough just to get out and do something, it is important to get out and do something that is unfamiliar and mentally challenging, and that provides broad stimulation mentally and socially, when you are inside your comfort zone you may be outside of the enhancement zone.”

These new findings provide a lot of needed insight into the everyday activities that contribute to our cognitive ability as we get older.

Park goes on to say;

“We need, as a society, to learn how to maintain a healthy mind, just like we know how to maintain vascular health with diet and exercise”

So the research suggests, we should all learn a new skill or multiple skills to really tap into helping our working memory, long-term memory and other high-level cognitive abilities.

Yes, I am getting older but, I can do something about it to feel like I am getting younger, if that makes any sense.