Learn More - Do Things

 

Part of my personal elder care plan is to do everything I can to stave off the onset of dementia as I age.  After doing a fair bit of research and discussing it with medical professionals I know that staying active, both mentally and physically, is the most important thing I can do.  Along with good nutrition, plenty of sleep and daily healthy habits I have a much better chance of aging without dementia than I do if I am not proactive.

 

I know I have to keep learning and doing things.  That is a big reason I choose to work a part time job in retirement.  By working I am constantly stimulated and learning new things.  By expanding my role at my job I am also physically moving and challenging myself to do new things and have new experiences I otherwise might not.

 

Last year I added the challenge of using public transportation to get me to and from my job, especially as free bus rides are a benefit from my employer.  Not only am I getting my daily walks in by going to and from my home to the bus stop as well as the bus station to work and back again, but I’m saving a lot of money I’d otherwise spend on fuel.  I am also stimulated to learn bus routes, speak to people I encounter, help people that may need assistance, etc.  Win-win!

 

Senior centers offer us the opportunity to take classes, including technology classes so we can stay up on how to better use our cell phones and laptops as well as to not to become victims of scams.  Various exercise classes can be found such as gentle yoga, Fit & Fall Proof, Tai Chi and longevity stick, stretch & tone and cardio.  They offer all kinds of classes to keep us productive and creative too.  Activities to go explore and do things like hiking, going to hot springs, day camping, visiting museums and other historical hotspots are quite common.  Most have libraries where you can get books and other reading materials.  Ours also offers puzzles.  Most importantly, senior centers give you the opportunity to socialize which is very important as we age.

 

Many seniors enroll in classes.  Many colleges and universities allow seniors to audit classes for free in order to keep learning.  Libraries offer a lot of classes and ways to socialize as well.  Volunteering is another great way to help your community while you learn new skills, stay active and socialize with others all at the same time.

 

Keeping a daily journal is another way I keep my mind active.  I write down how my day went as well as how I am feeling and what I’ve had on my mind lately.  I feel like it helps me to clear my mind and make room for new thoughts and stimulating activities.  The act of writing is good for our hands and dexterity while it forces us to remember how to write and spell words.  The act of writing is very good for us in more ways than one.

 

I encourage you to stay active in mind, body and spirit and to seek out ways to keep yourself stimulated.  Get outside, regardless of the weather, to move and breathe in fresh air.  Enjoy the seasons.  Go to the library, a concert or a movie. Travel. Spend time with friends.  Spend time with strangers.  Learn new things.  Do stuff.  Our brains depend on it.