Staying Younger Through Lifelong Learning Page #2

Another important aspect of lifetime learning is related to the actual effect of thinking on the cells of the brain, the neurons. It is believed that mental activities are somewhat like muscular strength in that it diminishes with age, if it is not used and developed. The diversity of abilities between different individuals is tremendous however. Some lose their mental acuity early, and some are as sharp as a tack even into their 90’s. It is really hard to talk in terms of trends, as individuals age so very differently. The important thing is to identify the things that help you to maintain your mental acuity. Education seems to play an extremely important role in achieving this end. Whether you’re exercising your muscles or your brain, they both seem to remain younger, longer, if you continue this exercise process.

It’s obvious that either formal or informal education is an important aspect of this process, as it keeps your mind in shape. Jobs that require a high level of mental ability will also contribute to this process and provide stimulation and variety. These are usually jobs in which you continue learning as you work. Many chief executive officers frequently work between 14 and 16 hours a day, five or six days a week. They thrive on this effortful exertion, possibly because they are able to choose the work they love, as well as where and how it is done.

What this means to you, is that you need to exercise your brain just as much and just as consistently as you exercise your body. Reading, studying and being curious about your life can be a big part of this. Chances are you are presently beyond school-age, and you need to continue to make education part of your adult life.

Regardless of your age, you may even consider going back to school, or taking some other type of structured learning opportunity. Don’t let your chronological age stop you from taking advantage of these opportunities to learn. Everyone has not had the same opportunities to go to college in their teens. People do get degrees later in life. Now, in the age of the Internet, there are many online opportunities as well, to get formal education without leaving home.

Education can also be a chance to combine having fun (which is a stress reducer), with learning, to keep your mind young. You don’t necessarily have to study something academic to benefit. You may read books on politics or history, or magazines if you like. Or, if you want to make the perfect soufflé, a cooking class a local community college may broaden your interest. Also, lifetime learning doesn’t have to be conducted in a classroom or even online. You may go to museums, read, take trips, do crossword or other puzzles, talk with interesting people, or develop other new interests. Find an interest in something and continue to explore it, or, like many experts say, stay young because of it.

Information adapted from The Real Age Makeover

Additional Information and webpage by Paul Susic MA Licensed Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate