Longmont United Hospital

Health Benefits of Intellectual Pursuits

IN SENIORS' HEALTH

Just as physical activity keeps your body strong, mental activity keeps your mind sharp. No matter what your age, an active brain will produce new connections (dendrites) between nerve cells, enabling cells to communicate with each other, and this helps you store and retrieve information more easily. That's why it's important to continue to challenge yourself mentally. Here are a few suggestions from the Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com) to help you nurture your mind.
  • Continue musical or artistic talents or develop new ones.
  • Explore the cultural life of your community. Attend concerts, lectures, and plays.
  • Join a book club or a discussion group.
  • Read regularly and keep a journal.
  • Stay up-to-date on technology. Learn about computers and connect to the Internet. Consider using e-mail to stay more in touch with friends and family.
  • Continue your formal education. Take a community class or a college course.
  • Teach others your skills or knowledge.
Although it's true that older people in general learn differently than younger people, older age clearly doesn't spell the end of learning. Numerous studies indicate that older people can and do learn new things—and learn them well. Age provides wisdom and experience that help with integrating new knowledge into your life.

Walking Builds Your Brain
Walking benefits your mind just as much as your body. According to AARP (www.aarp.org), recent research finds that physical activity is good for mental skills. Simple forms of steady exercise, such as walking, give you the best mental boost. Walking improves your ability to
  • focus
  • make decisions
  • solve problems
Even small doses of walking, like a 15-minute trek, can increase your brain power. But the benefits are not just short term. The mental perks continue long after your body has cooled down from a walk. See if you can include some brain-building walks every day. Several short walks will be just fine. Many people also use walking as a time to pray, meditate, or just think. Alone time spent walking can help you gain perspective and balance, reduce stress, tap into your creative side, and solve problems. Any time you can dedicate to walking is time your brain and mind can gain clarity and strength.
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