When we reach that certain point in our life when we feel some of our joints start cracking, and just a little movement here and there can make you feel easily tired, we tend to think of how to stay young.
There are a lot approaches nowadays to staying young. From eating right, doing a lot of exercises, meditations, herbal medicines, surgical methods to look younger, and so many other things. Money would not be an issue for some people who are really looking for some potion to stay young because they are willing to pay even it sounds expensive.
There`s a very good approach though, which is quickly gaining favor with experts is the act of learning something new. We intentionally train your brain to stay young.
There are a lot evidence that shows that taking on new things throughout your lifetime can help ward off mental decline. “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young,” as Henry Ford says. Researchers are now linking learning to reduce the risk of Alzheimer`s and other types of dementia. Learning keeps the brain healthy, and when the brain is healthy, the rest of the body stays healthier too.
Here are some tips how to train your brain to stay young:
1. Try to learn a new hobby
To some people that have had a hobby for long time, hobbies for them is relaxing because they are used to it and thus very easy for them. But for newbies and to some who are still learning present more of a challenge. If you are intending to tap into the Fountain of Youth, it involves learning a new hobby particularly a very difficult one. Researchers actually found that the more difficult a new hobby is, the greater the improvement in cognitive skills like memory.
In one of their studies, as an example, was they studied two different groups, one learning or doing the puzzle which is “easy”, and the other group learning how to do digital photography which is “difficult” which is actually challenging at any age! The latter, shows better results in relation to cognitive skills.
Thus, there are already several suggestions and recommendations on introducing the importance of hobbies especially for the people approaching retirement. You will never know, a hobby you start now could become a passion for the rest of your life.
2. Enroll in a College Class
Studying or formal education does not nee to end after your teens. According to research, it really should not either. There are plenty of course offerings to choose from at some community colleges, designed for working people, older or retired individuals, and for those any age of students who just want to get ahead or stay sharp.
Also, there are a lot of online courses you can choose from that you will enjoy. Any topics that you would like to learn, from History, to Arts, or even just simple knowledge about something, there are a lot to choose from. I also believe that there are classes that are free which caters senior group. This will surely make your brain work and at the same time it may rekindle some passion that you have had for a long time. This will make you feel excited and thus, make you feel young.
3. Write a Book
Everyone has a story to tell, it`s been said that each one of us has a book in them. Whether yours is a novel, a history lesson, or a memoir, you can turn this into a book. Writing challenges the brain in a number of beneficial ways.
Writing a memoir as an example challenges your brain as you do a self-reflection. It will help aging people relive special moments, tell their story for future generation and will also provide as a legacy to the family. Memoir writing can also help writers cover certain aspects of living such as growth, loss, aging, or any other type of life journey.
Putting your thoughts into words can be challenging too. It takes practice and probably some help constructing your ideas into paragraphs. But this is not impossible nowadays. There are a lot of help out there.
Aside from memoir writing, there is also history writing, mysteries, romances and other non-fiction books to consider as well.
4. Discover your Inner Passion for Art and Music
Like writing, learning to do something artistic has a very high cognitive demand. Whether it is painting, drawing, quilting, or refinishing a furniture, in each case you are learning something new and you are challenging your brain to a higher level.
Learning how to play a new musical instrument will also challenge your cognitive skills, and thus will truly exercise your brain. It also enhances your sensory system. It doesn`t matter if you will end up like Picasso or a very good pianist, the most important thing is you discover a new thing, and challenged your brain. This will truly make a difference in terms of staying young.
Learning New Things Really Make you Younger
When you learn new skills, like going to college, learning a difficult hobby, writing a book, learning art and music, or even just learning something new, or discovering something unique, you are strengthening certain connections in your brain. It enhances brain functions which help in the development of new cells in your whole system in your body, sort of helps in restoration, making you feel healthy, vibrant, and feeling young.
Thus, when it comes to actually improving brain functions, instead take a more holistic approach to challenging your brain: explore and discover new things that will truly excite you while simultaneously challenging your mental abilities. Your genuine interest will help keep you motivated through the challenges you encounter. That`s where the real magic happens – neural networks are strengthened and before you know it, you`ve tapped into your own inner fountain of youth.
Is there anything you would like to add to this topic? Let me hear you..