Mental Fitness in Seniors
Recently, I received the following request. “Dear Dr. LeCrone. I am a member of a seniors group studying fitness and aging. In one of your past columns, you wrote about mental fitness and aging. Could you please write about this subject again.” Senior in Florida.
Dear Senior:
Research has clearly demonstrated that exercise can positively influence many aspects of aging including mental fitness. This includes memory, emotional well-being, self-esteem and optimism. Individuals who maintain their highest level of physical fitness are much more likely to be perceived as alert, sharp, enthusiastic and alive by their friends and family.
Mental fitness is also related to how we handle psychological stress. Prolonged stress gradually wears down an individual’s ability to make decisions, relate effectively to others, perceive the surrounding environment in a healthy and realistic manner, and communicate clearly and openly. Keeping a healthy balance in life promotes feelings of security and control that are part of mental fitness.
Mental fitness is enhanced by exercising cognitive functions. Reading or watching television for fun and pleasure can be relaxing and necessary part of a healthy individual’s day. However mental fitness can be enhanced by challenging the mind with new and unfamiliar material, performing complex and abstract tasks and using opportunities to exercise memory functions. Examples of mental exercise include crossword puzzles, creative or poetry writing, and television game shows that challenge memory and games that require competitive intellectual interaction between participants.
Staying socially active is also an important part of metal fitness in seniors. Social isolation closes the world around the individual and can lead to negative consequences.
Mental fitness in seniors is also related to healthy nutritional practices. Seniors living alone are especially at risk for improper diet and unhealthy eating habits. Nutritional deficiencies can quickly produce negative mental effects.
Spiritual and/or philosophical mechanisms also enable seniors to maintain a healthy perspective between elements of their past, present and future. For example, memories and experiences from the past can provide wisdom and knowledge not available to younger cohorts.
I hope this information is useful to you. The seniors group in Florida that you are involved with is a good example of a resource providing mental fitness.
