Staying Sharp Throughout Our Senior Years

Conventional wisdom would have us believe that once we hit retirement age, our health, physical fitness and mental abilities will quickly decline. Long term research done at Cambridge University suggests otherwise. Their studies indicate five activities helping to slow the aging process. The most feared aspects of aging, physical decline, along with memory loss, are somewhat preventable.

Getting physically fit and staying active during the senior years. My recommendation is a regular exercise program of moderate activity, for a minimum of thirty minutes, done three to five times a week. Much of the research on senior health, mirrors this advice. Any activity is acceptable, including such tasks as housework, gardening and shopping. The point is to get up off the couch and move enough to elevate our heart rate out of the resting stage.

Focus on healthy eating. The University's suggestion was a Mediterranean style diet, consisting mainly of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish and poultry. Such a diet reduces the risks of cognitive, as well as, physical decline in the senior years. The research is ongoing, but indications are those eating a diet low in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates have a lower risk of advancing from mild cognitive impairment, memory loss, to Alzheimer's disease or Dementia.

Keep challenging ourselves mentally. The journal of Phychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services published a review of studies in 2010 suggesting mental activities, such as playing card games and working crossword puzzles, were not the best way to stay mentally sharp. Learning new things and reading were more challenging. “Have an open mind and try to learn something new everyday”.

Have an active imagination. Frequently spend some time imagining and planning a future event. The more detailed the plan, the better, since having a lack of imagination has been linked to memory loss. Even something as casual as a trip to the park with a grandchild can be imagined and planned in detail as a mental exercise.

Finally, we should embrace our age. Own it. California's Davis School of Gerontology found that a positive outlook on aging is our best defense against the negative stereotype of the aging process. Their advice, stop worrying and live life to the fullest.

It's not just a step, it's a start.

Dave