A Grandson asked, “Grandpa, how old are you?” The Grandfather replied, "I was born before: television, penicillin, polio shots, frozen foods, Xerox, contact lenses and Frisbee. There were no credit cards, laser beams, or ball-point pens. Man had not invented: pantyhose, air conditioners, dishwashers, clothes dryers, and man hadn’t yet walked on the moon!” Grandpa continued, “In my day, “grass” was mowed, “coke” was a cold drink, “pot” was something your mother cooked in, “rock music” was your grandmother’s lullaby, “Aids” were helpers in the Principal’s office, “chip” meant a piece of wood, “hardware” was found in a hardware store, and “software” wasn’t even a word!” This Grandpa would only be 60 years old! (Author Unknown)

 

There is a stubborn myth that those over 65 are “over the hill,” in their “golden years,” or “out to pasture.” It is widely thought by our culture that successful aging is slowing the inevitable decline of our minds and body. Research by Dr. Gene Cohen of George Washington University, has heralded some profound thinking about thinking in his book, The Mature Mind”. Instead of our minds becoming more useless as we age, the truth is that some of the most precious of life’s gifts, such as wisdom and mastery of many of life experiences, can be acquired in greater capacity after decades of learning for those who embrace the potential growth.

 

Recently I was at a presentation about the adolescent brain. The topic surrounded what I thought was well known facts. The brain is fully developed by our early 20’s. The “formative” years are significant in creating neural pathways, dendrites, and glia cell processes. Common knowledge extols that the brain cannot grow new brain cells once fully developed, older adults can't learn as well as young people, neuron connections are relatively fixed during life, and that early brain development greatly influenced by genetics and environment created our adult level of intelligence.

 

New research has busted the “fixed” brain myth! While childhood and adolescent brain development is important, Dr. Cohen’s research has confirmed some exciting news. The brain continues to develop as we learn and live life’s experience. Brain scans have confirmed that new brain cells do form throughout life. The aging brain becomes more emotionally balanced and mature. Most exciting is the discovery that the brain’s two hemispheres become more balanced and work together with greater synergy. Dr. Cohen describes studies that show a 30-year old brain lights up on the left side when they recount their autobiographical information (such as place of birth, schooling history). A 70-year old brain lights up on both sides when talking about their place of birth and school history. This means more brainpower for thought and creativity as we age!

 

These brain discoveries and the study of brain capacity for new neuron development is called, “Neurogenesis.” We know that cells wear out, high capacity math equations slow, and short term memory capacity declines as we age, but new neurons made in the cortex increase our capacity for advanced reflection, planning, decision making, and emotional control. Long-term memory is wired in locations all over the brain, which is why it often persists after brain injury or disease process. Based on these studies its fair to say that in some important ways, “AGE TRUMPS YOUTH!”

 

Applying what we know about brain development in the aging, as providers, consultants, and long-term-care professionals, there are some important applications to our work with seniors. Dr. Cohen’s research encourages five ways to boost brainpower. First, seniors should engage in mental exercises that are challenging. An idle brain becomes “flabby”. Secondly, seniors should exercise physically. Working the large muscle groups, increases blood flow to the brain thus fostering new cell growth, increases the “feel good” hormones and natural pain killers called, endorphins, improves waste filtration from the brain, and significantly decreases risk of cognitive decline. Thirdly, incidence of dementia decreased by 47% for those who engage in challenging leisure activities at least 4 times a week over those who engaged only one time a week. Fourthly, seniors should work toward achieving mastery in their hobbies. With merging left and right brain hemispheric synergy, the capacity to achieve greatness in chosen endeavors is significant. Lastly, when seniors build a strong social network, their incidence of dementia and chronic illness is reduced.

 

We’ve all heard of developing a financial portfolio for retirement. Dr. Cohen suggests development of a “Life Portfolio.” Why not do some planning for our mental capacity development and life engagement moving into retirement? Planning for “life living” is as important as financial planning!

 

Life planning involves a combination of group activities and individual activities that utilize low and high energy and mobility. As hearing, eyesight, and physical strength declines, the combination of the above activities helps a senior stay engaged on multiple levels. Life activities can more easily be adapted to these changes. For example, if a senior (or anyone for that matter), has an engaging “individual endeavor” life that involves high and low energy, and high and low mobility activities, the loss of a life partner, though painful, can be somewhat mitigated by individual activities that can be sustained through life’s losses. High-energy group activities help a person boost brainpower in many of Dr. Cohen’s five recommended areas, such as physical exercise and engaging leisure activity. Retirement can take on new meaning with this important step of developing a life portfolio.

Judi Kulus
LNHA, RN, RAC-MT
Pathway Health Services, Inc.