By Michelle Kicherer of www.bananapitch.com
Age doesn’t define you. Often the word “old” conjures up certain images and judgmental associations. Perhaps we think old means aged, frail, tired…but it shouldn’t, and it doesn’t have to. I prefer older, older adults, aging adults… And much like how the words we use to describe older adults might bring certain associations to mind, so can revealing one’s age. But really, age is just a number, right?
As we age, much like how we should make our best efforts to stay physically fit, we have to make efforts to stay mentally fit as well. We do this by engaging our minds in different activities.
In some of the writing groups I work with, which are very diverse in age, I am often surprised to find out someone is 67, 73, 81, 88… but why not? Illness aside, such mentally fit and socially engaged people don’t seem to age like the rest of them. So let’s each think of one activity we can do – either by ourselves or with others – to keep our minds healthy.
Here are some ideas to get the ball rolling and remind yourself that age doesn’t define you:
- read every day – especially physical material, rather than looking at a screen (this engages a different part of the brain)
- write stories, write letters, write anything! Handwriting in particular boosts the brain by stimulating different neural pathways (Check out this interesting article in the Wall Street Journal)
- draw
- attend social groups (acting, conversations, readings) or take a class
- read to others or teach reading: to children, older adults, second language learners
- learn another language. Even just one word a day – make your best effort
- garden
- knit or sew
- cook or bake
- make crafts (a fun thing to do with others)
There are many ways to stay mentally fit. I’ll give you a head start: your first activity is to brainstorm one new thing you’ll do to keep yourself engaged and healthy. Be well! Age doesn’t define you.