Characteristics of Aging

When you think about aging, what images come to mind? Many people assume that aging comes with an unavoidable decline in mental and physical health. You may have a list of characteristics you believe, and possibly fear, you will gain once you are older. You may see these traits presented in the senior citizens you know or in TV shows and media. Some of these characteristics may include:

• Unable to learn new things
• Lonely or depressed
• Memory loss
• Stooped stature
• Slow walking
• Weak muscles
• Weak immune system
• Weak hearing abilities

Impact of Physical Health on the Brain and Mental Health

Studies show that our physical health can affect how the brain functions as you get older. An NIH study found that adults who participate in physical activity, engage in mentally stimulating activities, follow the mediterranean-style diet, do not smoke, and do not drink heavily have a 60% lower risk of developing dementia. Those who participated in just 2 or 3 of these activities had a 37% lower risk. According to another NIH article, higher levels of physical health can significantly imporve mental health. This really should not be surprising because physical activity can provide you with a sense of accomplishment, realese endorphins, and often leads to better sleep. All these things can lead to a healthier and more clear mental state.

Counterclockwise Study

In 1979, Ellen Langer did a study in which 8 men in their 70s went to a retreat that was designed like it was from 1959. During this time, these men lived like it was truly 1959. They discussed “current” events, watched “current” movies, and listened to “current” radio. The goal of this experiment was to see if you could “reverse” the effects of aging by turning back time. After a week in this environment they showed improvements in their physical health, including physical and mental ability. While this study may have some weaknesses, such as a small experimental group, the findings may still hold some truth. In Langer’s book Counterclockwise she states, “It is not primarily our physical selves that limit us but rather our mindset about our physical limits.” This basically means that the mind is a powerful tool that can be used to help improve our physical health. Langer believes that by holding negative beliefs about aging we are preventing ourselves from being able to be our healthiest selves as we age. If we choose to hold a good mindset about aging then maybe we can decrease our risk of severe health issues commonly associated with aging.

Additional sources: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/brain-health/how-aging-brain-affects-thinking https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12198099/ https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/10-common-misconceptions-about-aging https://www.thecareside.com.au/post/counterclockwise-study-the-science-behind-mindset-and-ageing/