15 Tips to Keeping Your Mind Sharp as We Age

The first time I realized that I was not considered "young" any more was when my niece, while sitting beside me, touched my hand and pulled up my skin and asked, "Why is your skin loose?" Ah, yes, the innocent, but honest truth from our young. The problem is our bodies do deteriorate with age. Bone minerals actually start to decrease around your mid 30's. Most would agree that notable aging really starts in their thirties and it's all downhill from there, unless we keep ourselves in good physical shape with good nutrition. Then if we are lucky, the deterioration might plateau before resuming more downhill action. That's where our mind comes into play. There is too much focus on the importance of how we look as we age, rather than who we are as a person. I always loved the quote that Judge Judy would say regarding beauty, "Beauty fades, but dumb is forever". The mind is just as important in the process of aging. The point to this is we need to focus on our minds as we age just as much as our physical nutrition and exercise.

I have always loved the elderly even when I was a kid. Over my 55 years I have talked to many elderly people about what makes them tick. Between my own wisdom and theirs, I have come up with 15 tips on keeping your mind sharp as you age.

1. Working with numbers helps keep the mind sharp. I'm not talking about using a calculator but doing simple math applications either in your head or on paper. It forces you to think and recall.

2. Read books about your interests. You can travel around the world and find your spirit when you read books.

3. Engage in daily conversation with people you meet. Or, be a teacher of life's experiences with younger people. Sharing your life experiences and philosophies especially with a younger person teaches them lessons of life. They may not appear to be hearing you, but they are listening.

4. Try and learn about meditation. Meditation is a wonderful tool to alleviate stress. Stress can lead to depression. Many elderly who cannot face the fact they are growing old can become depressed, especially if they see loved ones pass before them. Meditation helps to find your spirit and hopefully clarifies your purpose in life.

5. Take a course. Nothing stimulates the mind like taking a course of interest, perhaps a foreign language. Then maybe you can plan a trip to use that foreign language you have learned.

6. Volunteer with an organization that means something special to you. Many people want to volunteer; however find excuses why they cannot. Once you try it and see the rewards you bring, you will feel good about your contribution. You will also be around like minded people who share your passion.

7. Play games with family members or friends. If you don't have anyone to play with, there are games you can play alone; solitaire, crossword puzzles, etc.

9. Take dancing lessons. It doesn't have to be like "Dancing with the Stars". Between the music and the movement, it's a perfect combination for the mind and the body.

10. Forgive and let go any hatred you may have with friends or family. When you forgive you release negative emotions. This is healthy for your mind. Many people think when they forgive they are helping the other person that is being forgiven. However, you are actually helping yourself.

11. Accept your body for what it is; a "cycle of change". Stay positive about it. If you are negative and complaining about the changes, all you are doing is concentrating on what is not working rather than being grateful for what is working. I know it is hard to deal with pain or conditions that we get as we age. Personally I deal with pain daily with degenerated discs in my neck and conditions like Glaucoma, a brain tumor, and a heart arrhythmia. However, there is always someone worse off than you. So stop complaining and start enjoying what you have.

12. Wake up each morning (after you go to the bathroom) and be grateful for the gift of life. I work with Hospice as a volunteer. I'm sure I can find one of my patients that would love to exchange positions with you.

13. Get one with nature; create a garden, go for walks, enjoy the interaction of animals. You'd be surprised how much enjoyment can come from that alone.

14. Let fear and worry go. Fear is a wall and worrying keeps you as a prisoner from enjoying life.

15. Most of all laugh! The more you laugh the healthier you will become. Here is a funny video that will put it all in perspective and give you a good laugh about aging just like Stan Boreson did.
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20071221/multimedia/283841756

I have a 91 year old neighbor who works in her garden daily even in this Florida sun, drives everywhere including long trips, and went water skiing last year. She also visits her younger friends in the nursing home telling them they need to get up and walk. For 2008, she told me her goal is to sky dive. She told me it is all about the mind.

The mind is a powerful tool!