It occurs to me almost every day as I work with seniors that age is a state of mind. I'm looking at my mother this week as she turns 94, and she absolutely amazes me. Over the years, I've watched her slump, I've watched her fall, I've watched her get up and go again. Amazing, amazing. Her state of mind has kept her vibrant, socially active and mentally alert. I have a Guatemalan proverb on my Facebook page that says, "Everyone is the age of their heart". I am seeing this more and more as I work with the senior population. Lots and lots of young hearts.
I think about my Brain Fitness classes that are just about to start up again this Fall at the Elsie Stuhr Center. It's a 55+ crowd over there and when I walk down the halls, I am inspired. In many of the classrooms there is some sort of physical exercise going on from chair exercise to Boomer Bootcamp to Zumba! The state of mind in this place is also amazing! If I'd known how much fun they were having, I would have admitted being a senior myself a long time ago! Why is that word "senior" so hard to accept? It's actually a great place to be in your life.
Change your state of mind by learning more about neurogenesis, plasticity and brain fitness. Google online articles, read books and magazine articles on the subject. Most of all, find a class in your city that challenges you with brain exercises, physical exercise, learning a language, and/or playing an instrument. Brain Fitness is for all ages but on this blog it's about challenging a large part of the population that is walking over the midline of life and wants to stay sharp and fit. I think this group is going to redefine life and change perceptions. It's happening already! Stay tuned!
