Old Age is a Gift

Grow old along with me; youth shows but half… the best is yet to be.

― Robert Browning

The aging process involves a combination of genetics, lifestyle and other factors. Categories used to describe the course of aging are:

Category	Chronological Age (Years)
Middle Age	45 to 65
Old age,	divided into 3 phases:
Early old age	65 to 75
Middle to Very old age	75 to 85
Very to Oldest old age	> 85

Growing older is not an affliction, it is a privilege. We begin aging at birth. Some folks maintain a healthy lifestyle but still end up dying too soon. Others may die upon birth or before the age of one year. Many of us will have illnesses throughout life and perhaps not have the opportunity of growing old. Others may have the privilege of living to 100 years old or more, and though health issues may exist, appreciate reaching the age of 100.

Upon aging, we have the opportunity to evaluate the past. Maintain a positive outlook and embrace the aging process along with the extra time that comes with it. Grow old with a grateful heart; live each day to its fullest. We are fortunate to have gray hair and laugh lines and watch the sunset. We are still living and breathing and have amazing friends. Some folks will pass away before having the opportunity to become older. Aging is a gift of time, offering a chance to expand:

• body
• mind
• spirit.

Live in the present:

• make use of resources that are available
• participate in activities to increase mental and physical health
• make new friends
• stay involved.

In late life, as the brain ages, a greater sense of calm and well-being develop due to changes in the aging brain. The older amygdala (a part of the brain involved with experiencing emotion) matures and is less responsive to negative stimuli. Because of this, older folks tend to be more mellow and less critical of oneself, tending to examine previously held opinions and perceptions. We can appreciate that life comes in many shades of gray, not just “black and white”. Our attitudes and reactions to different situations are likely to be more mature, flexible and kind. We are more likely to control our emotions and less likely to blame others.

While aging is associated with cognitive decline, the aging brain also exhibits positive changes:

• improved reasoning: abstract reasoning actually improves
• judgement: avoiding impulsive judgements
• enhanced vocabulary and language skills; greater understanding of word meanings
• continued learning and skill development; improve upon current capabilities
• stable / improved semantic memory (recalling general facts / concepts)
• compensatory brain adaptations, recruiting different areas to maintain cognitive function
• psychological benefits filter out negative emotions
• maintain a positive outlook.

To boost brain / cognitive function so that we may further enjoy our later years engage in fitness activities like:

• high to moderate intensity interval training
• cardio – vascular training
• strength workouts.

Increased cognitive benefits come from exercises involving complex movement patterns that require muli-tasking. This engages both the body and the brain to improve flexibility, body awareness, and overall well-being. By challenging mental focus and coordination, long term brain health is maintained.

While these endeavors provide improved body awareness, enhanced flexibility, and improved sense of well-being, they also provide benefits to cognitive health that include:

• increased ability to multitask
• improved immediate and delayed recall memory
• improved verbal capability
• improved capability to process information, make decisions, solve problems with reason and knowledge.
• increased attention and processing speed which can lead to improved behavioral speed (slower behavioral speed is often a result of the natural aging process).
• improved mental processes for planning / monitoring behaviors.

The best cognitive results come from exercise that includes complex movement patterns that require the mental and physical engagement of dual tasking. Three mind body activities that call upon dual tasking and complex movement patterns are Pilates, yoga, and self-myofascial release with the foam roller or ball.

The following exercises enhance the aging body and brain. Individuals of all ages can benefit from these mind-body activities:

• Tai Chi: mind-body practice that will help improve balance, coordination, and cognitive abilities. Tai Chi also slows brain aging; improves mental abilities.
• Yoga: will help improve posture and breathing; meditation can slow cognitive decline and enhance memory. Yoga activates the development of new nerve cells and increases synapses.
• Dancing: engages physical and cognitive skills; helps reduce the risk of dementia; will help boost memory, concentration, and focus.
• Aerobic Exercise: boosts blood flow to the brain and increases the size of the hippocampus, which is involved in memory and learning. Brisk walking, swimming, or cycling improves blood flow to the brain and helps boost cognitive function.
• Strength / Resistance Training: helps build muscle strength; improves overall physical function; helps improve cognitive abilities. Strength training (using weights) enhances connections between neurons and lowers the risk of dementia.

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