Living Better through Lifelong Learning

Max is an old friend of mine (both a very long time friend and old). At 92, he has been retired almost longer than he worked as a professor. But being retired hasn’t stopped him from reading, writing, taking classes (he just started a course on Greek Mythology), and exploring brain exercises and activities on the internet. Max continues to be actively engaged in his field and an enthusiastic mentor to students and professionals who seek him out.   Why doesn’t he just relax and putter around in his garden or cruise YouTube? Because, as Max says, “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it!” He is convinced that his sharp memory and keen intellect at his age are because he hasn’t neglected his mind. Studies are proving him correct. There’s a substantial body of research that shows that keeping the brain active and stimulated contributes to brain health. Active learning helps the elderly stay mentally alert and sharp. Exercising the brain by seeking out novel information and interesting problems stimulates and nurtures it.  I suspect that being a lifelong learner has always been the case for some portion of the population. People with active minds don’t give it up as they age. My own grandfather studied German and took up the mandolin when he was in his late 70s. He once told me his grandfather started writing poetry at age 80. Historical figures like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were life-long thinkers and writers, working right up to the time of their deaths....
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Inspiration & Hope Motivation and Inspiration Personal Self-Help Aging Learning Memory seniors Source Type: blogs