SeniorSteps.net Education

May 2007 Newsletter

Healthy Aging Requires More Than Just Physical Exercise

"Now ... why did I come into this room?"
"I am sure I left my keys right here on the table...."
"Where the heck did I put that telephone number?"

Does anyone expect that these sorts of questions and experiences will occur less frequently as we age?

Cognitive decline is a normal and universal part of aging. As people age, their activity level typically declines-not just physically, but mentally as well. Information from the senses is less reliable and processed less well. The systems in the brain get "sluggish." Even if people continue to be mentally active, it is usually in areas they have already mastered; and other areas may experience decline.

The traditional view has held that cognitive changes are an unavoidable consequence of brain machinery wearing down. Neuroscientists now understand that there is a component to the brain-plasticity-that allows for re-generation and the brain's ability to rewire itself. The new thinking, based on 30 years of research and the refinements of technology, is that the brain is like a muscle and that, with appropriate exercise, we can continue the overall stimulation for its sensory, cognitive and motor systems.

Normal cognitive decline should not be confused with dementia. Dementia (which includes Alzheimer's disease-although Alzheimer's is probably the most familiar form of dementia) describes the loss of memory and intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily living. Although not as devastating, normal cognitive decline can have negative impacts on individuals.

With normal cognitive decline, one starts to experience fuzzy thinking. It takes longer to do things because our interactive abilities are not as sharp. It takes more time for us to process information; so we start to miss cues or parts of communications. For someone who is used to being able to participate in conversations, these little interferences can be upsetting and may result in the individual withdrawing and even becoming depressed.

Thankfully, just as we learned that by going to the gym and working out we could keep our physical self healthy for longer periods of time, neurological research-combined with modern technology-have formulated means by which individuals can give their brain a "work-out."

With healthy eating, physical exercise, and mental workouts, not only can we live longer, but we can lead longer active lives as well.

Yvonne Behrens, M.Ed
Authorized Provider
The Brain Fitness Program