Thursday, September 17, 2015

KEEPING THE MIND IN SHAPE


On Monday we discussed insights and reflections from Chapter 2 "Shattering the Myth Of The Shrinking Brain". 

Much research has shown that the most important predictors of vital age are satisfying work and complexity of purpose. In my previous post, I listed ideas for keeping the mind and memory in shape for a lifetime. Today I want to share another 15 suggestions I've really found helpful.
  1. Seek new horizons and novel experiences.
  2. Avoid constant routine to keep your mind limber.
  3. Attempt to keep control over your life as much as possible.
  4. Follow - but question the scientists and sages, and watch out for the snake oil salesman with new chemical anti-aging approaches.
  5. Investigate the prescription and alternative remedies that have some basis for validity; Vitamin E and C; estrogen (for menopausal women), perhaps ginkgo, antioxidants, chlorine.
  6. Avoid harsh and continual stress and learn to relax. Take your time, practice mindfulness.
  7. Pay attention, concentrate on what you want to remember.
  8. Minimize and resist distractions.
  9. Using a notepad, carry a calendar. 
  10. Seek out and use humor, lighten up, take time to focus on fun.
  11. Organize belongings, have a place for unforgettables, for example, put a car key in a magnet and hide it in your car, keep a secret outside door key.
  12. Repeat names of new acquaintances in conversations.
  13. Take care of your health, eat well, exercise, and take steps to avoid chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, severe hypertension, arthritis, tumors, and osteoporosis.
  14. Nurture and cultivate long term relationships with well educated and intelligent people.
  15. Realize that retirement is a positive factor only if you are retiring from a routine job, but not from a highly complex job.
In my next post in this series I will share insights from Chapter 3, "Shattering the Myth that "Creativity Declines As We Age". Here are links to my previous posts in this series. 


To view Part I of this book review click HERE
To view Part II of this book review click HERE

To view Part III of this book review click HERE
To view Part IV of this book review click HERE

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