I was not the least bit surprised when I read in the “Scientific American Mind” (September/October 2009 issue) that studies show the mental benefits of social activity, networking, and keeping connected “make(s) us healthier and more resilient.” The more socially “integrated and active” the subjects were; the less memory loss occurred. Not only were their memories kept alive, but they were also “less susceptible to the common cold” in spite of their being exposed to more bacteria due to their outgoing lifestyle. Evidence pointed out that the opposite is also true. Socially isolated subjects and those who were cut off from social relationships seemed to be at greater risk of disease and mental decline.
The reason for my lack of surprise about these recent finding is due to personal observation of our elders over the years which has led me to believe in the importance of social interaction for the elderly. Those around us who remain active, interact socially with their surroundings, and connect with friends, close relatives, or extended family live longer, enjoy better physical health and demonstrate more active memory and better mental performance. Whereas, those who were introverted or socially isolated were more likely to be disease-stricken, more depressed, and with the most cognitive loss or dementia.
So we can deduce from the study that older individuals who belong to social groups or who interact with family members remain mentally and physically more active and healthier longer than their isolated counterparts. It is thus important to remain connected with family and friends harmoniously and avoid conflict in such relationships as anger and conflicts counter the physical and mental benefits of social interaction.
Another factor that trains the brain to stay active is stimulation with challenging thoughts, learning, intellectual conversations, good sleep, physical activity, creative artwork or handicraft, brain-teaser puzzles, or card and memory games. Such activities trigger the brain cells, neurons, to interconnect and inter-wire and keep them operational. On the other hand, mental and physical inactivity, lack of sleep, and apathy to surroundings can lead to physical and mental wasting.
In a study, it was found that nuns who spent evenings playing cards or solved word puzzles retained much of their cognitive skills even at the ages of ninety and above. When playing cards or games, the brain is challenged to think, solve, predict, and memorize, which provokes neurons to wire. The more wired the brain is, the more active and alert it becomes.
Good sleep is an important lifestyle habit that makes the brain rest and repairs and prevents brain cells from wasting. Long-term sleep deprivation can cause neurons to atrophy and die, speeding the process of mental decline. Lack of sleep prevents cell repair and does not allow the body to make killer cells, thus diminishing the immune power to fight infection and disease. Covering the head during sleep prevents oxygen from reaching the brain cells.
On the other hand, deep breathing and physical exercises keep the brain cells well nourished with oxygen. Recent studies using brain scans during physical training showed sufficient neuron activity, indicating brain development and substantiating the body/mind connection. With muscle contractions, chemicals are pumped into the bloodstream and to the brain, promoting the secretion of neurotransmitters. Such molecules ignite neurons to communicate and inter-wire, connecting neurons and weaving webs, which encourage learning new skills and maintaining active mental faculty.
Most prescription and recreational drugs (sleeping pills, sedatives, pain-relievers, anti-depressants, acid blockers, statins, hypertensive drugs, antihistamines, antibiotics) have been found to cause mental decline, memory loss, and cognitive disorders, particularly in the elderly. Hence, it is important to review with your doctor long-term administration of such brain-impairing medications.
To maintain mental power and cognitive skills, it is also required to make intelligent food choices for the brain. Organic whole fruits, vegetables, and their fresh juices are your best and safest bet against mental degeneration and free radicals. Keep away from refined sugar and carbohydrates. They cause a spike and sudden drop in blood and brain sugar and insulin, affecting memory and mental capacity and resulting in insulin resistance, which is detrimental to brain cells and general health. Healthy essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6 and olive and fish oils) are paramount for brain functions. Most spices (ginger, turmeric, cinnamon), herbs (gingko), and condiments (garlic and onions) improve brainpower and reduce inflammation and dementia.
All vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin D and exposure to sunlight, are essential for mental and physical health after a certain age and during stressful periods. Stress is also damaging to both brain and body.
German scientists discovered that “odors re-activate new memories in the brains of people while they slept.” Because the volunteers performed and remembered better after inhaling the scent of roses during a given task, researchers believe that olfactory senses play a role in improving memory. The part of the brain responsible for learning showed activity when participants were made to smell pleasant scents. So enjoy a waft of your favorite fragrance of essential oils or flowers while you study or work.
Finally, the theory of “use-it-or-lose-it” is far from wrong for all ages even at advanced ages. John Hopkins University’s “Experience Corps” study showed continual learning and “stimulation maintains the elders’ brains.” Physically and mentally active individuals with higher education, on the task at advanced ages, challenging jobs, and “enriched social lives build more cognitive reserve than couch potatoes.” Their brain cells “forge new networks” and showed no signs of dementia. While active elder’s brains are branched out and neurons are connected and communicate with one another, inertia, apathy, inactivity, and isolation kills brain cells and their connections.
Such researches and findings indicate that healthy lifestyle habits like mental and physical activities, learning, and social bonding at young and old ages alike promote neuron connectivity and communication; preserve memory; build cognitive skills, encourage productivity; boost immunity; delay body and brain ageing; reduce dependence; and lead to healthy longevity. This way, you prevent confined retirement and live a young life at an advanced age! Why not?
N.B.: Individuals with medical conditions or on medication should consult their physicians when they decide to introduce anything new in their diet even if it is natural!
