Exercise Your Brain

 By Nina Chen, Ph.D.
Human Development Specialist 

The MacArthur Foundation Network sponsored a study on successful aging.  The study had fifteen scientists across the country study the genetic, social, psychological and environmental factors that are important to mental fitness.  One hundred and ninety-two people ages 70 and 80 participated in the study.

The study found keeping sharp has 4 components including physical activity, handling stress, meditating, and education.  Taking walks, climbing stairs, and doing moderate aerobic exercise can help stimulate blood flow to the brain and nerve growth which can mean more densely branched and stronger neurons that result in better abilities to resist disease.

We all know that high levels of stress can harm certain brain cells that can damage our capacity to remember things.  In order to manage stress in a constructive way, it is very important to be aware of your attitude toward stress.  When you feel you have control over your lives, it can limit stress hormones.

Moreover, meditating can buffer the brain, reduce stress, and may postpone the aging process.  Some researchers at Harvard found that people can have positive psychological improvement if they meditate for even three months.

Finally, our brain grows new cells no matter how old we are.  Therefore, life-long learning and ongoing involvement in different activities can keep the human mind alert.  There are many ways to stimulate your brain.  Reading, learning new skills, studying foreign languages, attending educational activities, doing crossword puzzles, and becoming an expert in something are good ways to stay sharp in later life.

If you watch television shows, try to watch programs that can exercise your brain and stay alert mentally.  The best way to stay sharp is to eliminate TV watching and try to be active.  Remember, active people are more fit mentally than “intellectual couch potatoes.”

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