Posted on: May 18, 2007
Fitness on the Brain
The secret to staying mentally sharp as you age is to never stop learning, loving, dancing and maintaining a healthy diet
By Hannah Seligson
CTW Features
Believe it or not, there is some good news for the aging brain, according to Dr. Robert Palmer, the author of “Age Well!” (Cleveland Clinic Press, 2007) and section head of geriatric medicine at the Cleveland Clinic.
“As we age – up to the age of 70 – our ability to speak more expressively and articulately actually improves.”
And now for the not so good news: Palmer says that as we age there is a gradual loss in the number of brain cells, or neurons, in our brains.
Beyond forgetting to pick up the dry cleaning, this decline represents a deterioration of the brain’s normal habits and functions.
“What people notice the most is their ability to multi-task, particularly when they watch their children type, listen to music and carry on a conversation all at the same time. Aging often means cutting back on multi-tasking,” says Palmer.
But the best news of all, experts say, is that there are a multitude of activities that can keep our minds sharp.
Remain Socially Engaged
Palmer says that social interaction is a critical part of keeping one’s brain functioning at a high level. “There is good data to suggest that social engagement leads to a higher level of cognitive functioning.” But that doesn’t have to mean filling your calendar every night of the week, Palmer says. “It just means keeping up with your network of family and friends, even if it’s by phone or e-mail. The key thing is just to be part of some social network.”
Take up the Salsa
“Research shows that people who dance are less likely to develop problems with cognition,” Palmer says. And if you take it up with a group or partner, you’ll really be doing your brain a double favor!
The Brain is a Muscle, so Exercise it
“Activities such as reading, listening to music or doing a crossword puzzle all promote blood flow to the brain,” Palmer says. “Think about it like this. When you are pursuing one of these intellectual activities, more nutrients are being brought to that part of the brain, stimulating the growth of nerve cells, which leads to better cognitive functioning.”
Follow a Brain Healthy Diet
“Nutrition,” Palmer says, “is part of the brain equation. I advocate a Mediterranean diet – a diet where the main source of fat is from olive oil in addition to a variety of fruits and vegetables.”
What’s Good for the Heart is Good for the Brain
Palmer says this should be people’s mantra when it comes to general health, but particularly the brain. “Lowering your blood pressure, banning cigarettes, keeping your cholesterol in a normal range and a diet rich in anti-oxidants just might make your ability to recall those names a tad bit easier.”
Hannah Seligson is a writer based in New York and the author of “New Girl on the Job: Advice from the Trenches” (Citadel Press, 2007).
