New book provides practical guidance for women (and men) to rebalance our lifestyles and build Cognitive Reserve

On one of our “walk and talks” around the lush trails of Rock Creek Park in DC surrounded by bikers, runners, cars and the occasional deer, Wendy and Lisa talked about aging. Wendy’s mother, who had her children in her early 20s, was still joining the family’s grueling summer hikes with her children and nine grandchildren well into her 60s. Wendy mused about how much older she would be when their kids could have their own kids. It dawned on her that her health was not just a here and now issue, but an investment in that future. We agreed to help each other cultivate the habits and make time to build strength as well as reserves, both physical and mental, for the long-term. Their goal: to enjoy being active in their 40s and 50s while also laying the groundwork to continue being active into their 60s, 70s, and beyond. The idea of applying this reserve concept to physical and also mental health is powerful and attractive. Two years after Lisa’s luckily benign health scare, she found herself in another doctor’s office. This time it was with an orthopedic surgeon. After more than twenty years of waking up to morning runs multiple times per week, Lisa’s right knee suddenly started to smart and make clicking sounds on every step. For her, running was her happy, quiet place. Part of her morning routine to clear her mind with the meditative rhythm of repetitive steps. And a place to compose thoughts, rehearse speeches, or mull over conversations. The MRI had picked up a ...
Source: SharpBrains - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Tags: Brain/ Mental Health Education & Lifelong Learning book Cognitive-impairment cognitive-reserve dementia healthy-aging Lifelong Neuroplasticity physical-health Rebalance Source Type: blogs