The benefits of active ageing

As we grow old our brains begin to grow old as well. Brain aging is inevitable to some extent but not uniform. It affects every brain differently. At around three pounds in weight, the human brain is a staggering feat of engineering with around 100 billion neurons interconnected via trillions of synapses. Throughout our lifetime our brain changes more than any other part of our body. From the moment the brain begins to develop in the third week of gestation to old age, its complex structures and functions are changing, networks and pathways connecting and severing.

Some of the results of an aging brain includes memory loss leading up to conditions such as Alzheimers and dementia. Crystallized intelligence, a term used to describe the ability to utilize the knowledge, skills, and expertise acquired during your lifetime, peaks between your late 60s and early 70s. While processing speeds may be faster with younger generations, seniors’ brains are better at taking shortcuts by connecting together life experiences.

If hearing loss is connected to cognitive decline, there are many things that could be done to maximize brainpower as we age.

• Listening to classical music has been shown to enhance memory. 
• After watching funny videos, cortisol levels dropped, and performance on memory tests improved. Study results suggest lowering stress will improve memory.
• Meditation has been shown to grow the hippocampus in the brain.
• Decreased fitness in your 40s can reduce brain volume two decades later. Continue a healthy exercise plan to keep your brain engaged.
• Quality sleep in your 30s, 40s and 50s can lead to better mental functionality later on. The sleep you get during those years is deeper and more restorative than the sleep we get as we age. 

Active aging includes intellectual engagement and continued social interaction along with an overall healthy lifestyle. The World Health Organization defines ‘active aging’ as optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age. The word ‘active’ refers to continuing participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual, and civic affairs. Active Ageing aims to extend healthy life expectancy and quality of life for all people as they age.

Hearing plays a key role in maintaining strong social networks and engaging in opportunities for intellectual stimulation. When people wait to treat their hearing loss for fear of the negative stigma once surrounding hearing aids or the cosmetic concerns, those same people can negatively impact their long-term cognitive health and overall wellbeing. Many assume they are ‘getting by’ just fine, but individuals with untreated hearing loss are more likely to avoid or withdrawal from social situations, are more likely to experience social rejection, loneliness and depression, and have a greater chance at developing Alzheimer’s and dementia.  

Decreased hearing acuity negatively effects job performance, even earning power, and interpersonal interactions in and out of the office. Disengaging is not compatible active aging.

We often tell ourselves that our lives will begin in the future. We will be happy if we get a promotion, pay off our mortgage, or once we retire. But the truth is, the only certainty is today. Enjoy it and embrace the moments. Continue to challenge yourself to be the best you can be, and take care of yourself so you can be involved with future generations.