Mental Fitness and Aging
Mind ...Your Own Business
If you were forced to decide, which would you pick to lose — your mind or your body? Solomon-like decision, right? Obviously, there is no preferred answer; and admittedly, it’s somewhat morbid and solemn to think about. Mercifully, it's not a decision we have to make. But realistically, one or both of these scenarios is inevitable.
As there are many proven methods to stave off the effects of an aging physical body — exercise, proper nutrition, medications, etc., likewise, there are useful strategies for the brain to perform more effectively and efficiently. But the mind...dare I say, has a mind of its own — and when it's all said and done, it is apparent that mental capacity (the brain), is not immune to the effects of aging just like any other physical organ. So, it would behoove us to do everything possible to take care of it.
Overall, the degree, nature and probability of that decline appears to be a luck of the draw. Whether an individual contracts one of the varied involuntary diseases of the brain - Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS,— seems to be generally random. Other brain maladies brought on by either blunt force trauma or negative social constructs as drug and alcohol addiction, some forms of depression — can be treated or cured, if not prevented altogether.
"What we do know is that physicality and mentality are inextricably connected."
For me, one of the many benefits of playing sports, is the after-glow of engaging in the activity itself. My tennis partner and I have played each other for 20 years. He's a far better player than me (he played in college; I started playing later in life...that's my story and, well you know the rest) and I have never beat him... never! Oh, I try for sure, but what he does is make me work harder; I push my limits, physically and mentally. And even though I don't 'win', I’ve realized the accomplishment is in the effort, not only in the result! After a shower, I slither onto the recliner and crack open a beer as "rigamortis" starts to invade my overworked body. I see myself hoisting the 'trophy of participation.' I am a winner! Besides doing a body good, my mind gets a 'fix' of my favorite drug...endorphin. Warning: it's highly addictive.
Stimulation from both physical and mental participation is the benefit here. A working, functional body can aid in the desire to take on other life endeavors that otherwise would be limited or curtailed by anything less. Liberated and seemingly free from restrictions of an ageing body, our younger years are reinforced by aphorisms that encourage the unfettered, boundless possibilities of the future with inspiring expressions like: 'The world is your oyster', 'Today is the first day of the rest of your life', 'It's yours for the taking.'
But for us further in the journey, we understand life can be more like a high-wire act — precariously balancing risk and reward knowing a misstep of our own doing or circumstances through no fault of our own, can drain our emotional confidence to take advantage of life's invitation to fulfillment. It's easy for doubt, or futility, and apathy to overtake our psyche and rob us of an unquantifiable method that just might in the long run, give us extra quality time with our passions, our partner, children, fellow human beings — even Sparky the dog! So, take that daily walk, check out that new restaurant, go to the weekend farmer's market, invite the company over. But most of all… Get Off Your Rocker!!