Our brains are the largest organs in the body. Weighing only three pounds brains control intelligence, interpret senses, initiate body movement, and control behavior. The aging process has most Seniors well aware of changes in these functions. The National Institute on Aging states forgetting words or names, difficulty with multitasking, and a mild decrease in paying attention are normal as humans age. However, even as brains shrink with increasing age and the concern of acquiring Alzheimer’s or dementia, there is positivity.
Seniors have larger vocabularies and a better understanding of the world due to past experiences and are capable of learning a new task when given time to understand the steps required. They continue to learn. Studies have shown some older adults, Cognitive super-agers, have managed to retain information and cognitive ability until the end of life. Such a gift may be genetic, but could also be due to environment, education, brain “challenges,” and social experience. How does the average Senior maintain a healthy brain? By constant learning.
Each day brings a new opportunity to learn, but remember, lifelong learning takes commitment. One needs to motivate themself to be open to fresh experiences and acknowledge successful learning takes time. Fortunately, learning with age may be done whenever, wherever, and however one chooses. Approaches to learning from an educational organization, Valamis, are:
· Self-taught study (podcasts, researching an interest)
· Learning a new activity (exercise, speed walking, self-defense)
· Learning to use a new technology (smart devices, new software)
· Acquiring new knowledge (online education or classroom-based courses)
Changes in learning have resulted from the COVID pandemic. More people are learning by researching on their own and gathering information by themselves. Seventy-two percent, according to AARP, are turning to the Internet and YouTube. These approaches may also be a learning experience! The important factor is… keep learning!
Bridge to Better Living, due to a continuous social and professional involvement, is well committed to lifelong learning. Their expert staff has the resources and years of experience needed to assist Seniors in the transition to Independent, Assisted, Memory Assisted, and Long-Term care. Contact them today to learn about their one-on-one and no cost to the client service.