Are you like an outdated computer program that feels like your time is finished? Or are you more like the iPhone keeping yourself in tune with the ever-changing trends of life?
Now is the time to become aware of the best ways to nurture your aging mind and for turning that knowledge to your advantage.
“An estimated 5.4 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s disease in 2016. Of the 5.4 million Americans with Alzheimer’s, an estimated 5.2 million people are age 65 and older, and approximately 200,000 individuals are under age 65 (younger-onset Alzheimer’s).” www.alz.org/facts/
Scientists are finding more evidence that some of the risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and low levels of the vitamin folate may also increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Since the U.S. Census Bureau says the number of people 65 and older will double between 2010 and 2050, it is time you and I take charge of what is happening in our lives.
There are studies showing areas you can control what happens to you – like your diet, environment and mental activities.
As Chris Crowley, author of Younger Next Year, says, “ 70% of aging is in your control.”
My mission is to help Boomers and Retirees to live healthy, vibrant and fulfilled during this chapter of life.
I don’t want you to be in those statistics when you have the ability to create the life you want.
Here are four tips that can help you keep a healthy mind:
- Keep your memory sharp. Keep learning. “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,” says psychological scientist and lead researcher Denise Park of the University of Texas at Dallas. “When you are inside your comfort zone you may be outside of the enhancement zone.” Association of Psychological Science
- Keep your brain young. Mark McDaniel, PhD, professor of psychology at Washington University in St. Louis, adds, “I would suggest a combined program of aerobics and weight training. As we age, our brain cells, called neurons, lose the tree-branch-like connections between them. These connections, or synapses, are essential to thought. Quite literally, over time, our brains lose their heft. Perhaps the most striking brain research today is the strong evidence we now have that “exercise may forestall some kinds of mental decline,” notes McDaniel. “It may even restore memory.”
- Keep eating healthy. Feed your brain with a nutritional diet. Eat right to avoid these diseases that plague many aging minds. The best things you can eat for your body are also the best things you can eat for your brain.
- Keep socializing. Gather with friends on a regular basis is not only fun, but also it can help your brain stay sharp. Research published in the May 2012 journal of Experimental Gerontology shows that social relationships can heal aging brains and keep them young. Go to lunch with friends, play board games, or volunteer to stay connected.
What I know for sure, is that you can make this a high quality retirement, have your freedom and live healthy.
Decide you will keep your mind healthy and then make a plan for it to happen.
Your life is worth it.
For more information about how to live healthy in this chapter of your life, check out my FREE video series live.thrivinginunretirement.com!