Staying Sharp

You know the conventional “wisdom” about the brain: As we get older, the brain shrinks. Brain cells die. And we don’t get any new ones. We get slower and foggier and more absent-minded. If we’re lucky. Even if we avoid full-on dementia, the “fact” is the brain deteriorates, and the best we can do is maybe slow down loss of function.

Nope.

The evolving science of aging has upturned much so-called conventional wisdom, and here, happily is yet another example.

Our brains are actually far more resilient than originally thought. While it may be true that we lose some neurons as we get older, neuroscientists have discovered that stem cells in the brain can replace some of those lost cells. In fact, the brain is remarkably resilient at repairing itself. And the brain is always able to learn and make new connections. Which means that we could actually enhance brain power as we age. What a thought.

How do we help our brains stay “youthful”? No, it’s not by repeatedly doing New York Times crossword puzzles. Here are some proven suggestions from two pioneers in what I think of as “the art of resilience” – both mind and body. One is a psychiatrist; the other a neuropsychologist:

MOVE. Physical activity enhances blood flow (to the brain as well as everywhere in the body). Physical activity can directly improve brain health, boost energy and improve mood

SLEEP. Quality sleep rests and recharges the brain. What is good, healthy sleep? I wrote about that here.

EAT WELL. Yes there are “brain foods.” I wrote about the MIND diet here. Read up and eat!

CULTIVATE CURIOSITY. Novelty boosts brain power. Routine deadens it. Do something new. Create adventures for yourself. Especially in mid-life.

EMBRACE OPTIMISM. Optimism is not looking at the world through rose-colored glasses. It is the belief that you have the ability to solve problems, meet challenges and influence the course of events. This is known as “self-efficacy,” and there is good evidence that it has significant effects on health and well-being (brain and body). And…get this, it can be learned. I write about this in chapter 12 of Counterclockwise.

STAY CONNECTED. Humans are social beings (well, writers not so much), and interacting with others, staying connected to the world, activates and enhances our brains. Generosity, compassion, empathy, philanthropy – a life lived fully and meaningfully is a joyful life — and a key to a youthful, invigorated, resilient brain.