By now, we likely all know that regular exercise helps to stave off the effects of aging, one of which is a decline in mental sharpness.
According to "The MacArthur Foundation Study on Successful Aging", the level of an individual's education is the strongest predictor of mental capacity during aging. The more education a person has had, the more likely it is that he or she will be able to maintain memory and thinking skills. Additional research indicates that people who hold jobs that involve complex work, such as speaking to, instructing, or negotiating with others, have a lower risk of dementia than those persons whose jobs are less intellectually demanding.
It is likely not, however, simply the years of education or on the job performance that enables strong memory and thinking abilities to continue through older age. It is far more probable that the maintenance of an enriching intellectual environment through ongoing learning, discussions, and engagement in activities which stimulate the brain, leading to more neural connections, is what's at play here. The greater the number of connections, the more resilient the brain is against the effects of aging. A habit of ongoing learning and engaging in mentally challenging activities - discussions, debates, new languages, challenging word or other types of games - can all help to keep the brain in shape in addition to regular physical activity.
Another way to keep mentally sharp is to establish and maintain close ties with others whether it's through relationships with relatives, friends, caregivers, or members of community groups. Social engagement and mentally stimulating activities often go hand in hand (e.g. volunteering at charity events, or helping school children with math or reading). Social relationships can also provide support during stressful times which in turn may reduce the damaging effects that stress can have on the brain.
D.
"Improving Memory: Understanding Age-Related Memory Loss", Christine Junge, Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 2012.
About Me
- Deborah K. Hanula
- Deborah K. Hanula has a year of Journalism training from Humber College, a Political Science degree from the University of Waterloo, and a Law degree from the University of British Columbia. In addition, she has Diplomas in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Child Psychology, and Psychotherapy and Counselling as well as a Family Life Educator and Coach Certificate and Certificates in Reflexology, Assertiveness Training, and Mindfulness Meditation. She is the author of five cookbooks, primarily concerned with gluten-free and dairy-free diets, although one pertains to chocolate. As an adult, in the past she worked primarily as a lawyer, but also as a university and college lecturer, a tutor, editor, writer, counsellor, researcher and piano teacher. She enjoys a multi-faceted approach when it comes to life, work and study, in order to keep things fresh and interesting. Check out her new book: A Murder of Crows & Other Poems (2023).
