Posted by
peripheral on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 5:27:15 AM
From My Perspective - - -
The process of aging is a reality for all. The whole idea of “from the
cradle to the grave” is of interest and contains many implications.
While thinking about the “cycles of life” can be grim and sobering, the
one with wisdom and sense of responsibility is compelled to do so. One
has to plan on education, career, family, home, savings, retirement,
etc. Actually, if one is past the mid-20s range and hasn’t done some
“life-cycle planning”, it may be the time to become engaged in doing so.
The University of Virginia has prepared a study entitled: AGING & CARING: 20 Easy Ways To Boost Your Memory.
It was written by Paula Spencer who also maintains an interesting
website, www.caring.com. In the article, her premise and thesis is:
“Worried about fading brain power? If you’re older than 27, you have
good reason. That’s the age when cognitive skills start to decline,
according to new University of Virginia research. But while some
changes in thinking and memory are inevitable as we age, the good news
is that lifestyle seems to be able to blunt those effects — and keep
many minds working sharply well into old age. That’s reassuring, given
headlines from the Alzheimer’s Association’s new annual report showing
that every 70 seconds, someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer’s (the
most common form of dementia). Debilitating memory loss doesn’t happen
to everyone, though. Learn what you can do to preserve yours.” She then
lists some of the following as a way and means to safeguard Memory
Usage…
1. Take the stairs - Exercise benefits your head as much as the rest of
your body, a growing number of studies indicate. Overall
cardio-respiratory fitness also lowers the risk of obesity, diabetes,
and cardiovascular problems — all known risk factors for Alzheimer’s
disease. Theories on why that’s so range from improved blood flow to
the brain to less brain shrinkage.
5. Eat less - After only 12 weeks, healthy volunteers (average age 60)
who reduced their daily calories by 30 percent scored 20 percent better
on memory tests…The possible reason: decreased levels of insulin,
created when the body processes food, and of the
inflammation-associated molecule C-reactive protein. Both factors are
linked to improved memory function. The people in the study were
cautioned not to consume fewer than 1,200 calories a day. If cutting
back on your diet by nearly a third seems too daunting, focus on eating
less fat, meat, and dairy products. Earlier this year, Columbia
University Medical Center researchers reported that in a long-term
study of more than 1,300 participants, those with the highest adherence
to a Mediterranean diet — rich in vegetables, legumes, fish, and
monounsaturated oils (like olive oil) but low in fat, beef, and dairy —
had the lowest risk of developing mild cognitive impairment and
Alzheimer’s disease.
10. Take the “Multi” Out Of Your Tasking - Try to learn something new —
reading a contract or directions, copying a skill — when you can give
it your full concentration. Cut out distractions like the TV in the
background…
19. Don’t retire - Provided you like your work, you’re helping your
brain by sticking with it as long as you can. A satisfying work life
offers social stimulation and decision-making opportunities — and
exercises problem-solving skills. Next best: Volunteering, such as at a
school or museum, where your training involves learning new material
and the task involves interacting with others.
Someone once allowed there are three indications regarding aging – 1)
Not seeing as well, 2) Not hearing as clearly, and 3) the third just
doesn’t seem to come to mind. There is benefit in visiting with those
who are aging. Even though some older adults have become very negative
about life issues, helping one another to think constructively and
positively will prove to be beneficial to all. One of the great words
of both retrospect and perspective is shared in Psalm 37:23-26, “If the
Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm; though he
stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand. I
was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous
forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and
lend freely; their children will be blessed.” A Hymn enjoins, “Count
your blessings, name them one by one…” Someone suggested a variation to
those words: “Count your blessings, name them by the score, And you
soon will find – there are many, many more.” Consider these things with
me!