Recently while talking to a group of seniors, I was asked the following question:
"We hear a lot about physical fitness, quality of life, longevity and wellness. As a psychologist, can you comment on mental fitness and its relation to aging?"
• First, let's be sure that we acknowledge the relationship between physical fitness and mental fitness. Research has clearly demonstrated that exercise can positively influence many aspects of aging. This includes memory, emotional well-being, self-esteem and optimism. Those 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. Fitness and exercise are related to all other aspects of the functions of healthy living, including sleep. Healthy sleep patterns and mental fitness go hand in hand.
• Mental fitness is related to how we handle psychological stress. Prolonged stress gradually wears down the individual's ability to make decisions, relate effectively to others, perceive the environment around them in a healthy and realistic manner, communicate clearly and openly, and practice other principles of effective living. Keeping a healthy balance in life promotes feelings of security and control, which is part of mental fitness.
• Mental fitness is enhanced by exercising cognitive functions. Reading or watching television for fun and pleasure can be relaxing and a 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. Other examples of mental exercise include: crossword puzzles, creative or poetry writing, television game shows which challenge memory, as well as games which require competitive intellectual interaction between participants.
• Mental fitness is also enhanced by staying socially active. Social isolation closes the world off around the individual and can lead to many negative consequences.
• Mental fitness in seniors is also related to healthy nutritional practices. Seniors living alone are especially at risk for improper diets and unhealthy eating habits. Nutritional deficiencies can quickly produce negative mental effects.
• Mentally fit seniors have some spiritual and/or philosophical mechanism which enables them 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. But maintaining hope for the future is one of the most difficult talks for seniors. Their recognition that the future does not stretch on forever-- as it seemed to in younger years-- decreases second chances and opportunities to try again. Resources, often taken for granted in the past, such as health, family and friends, and even financial resources may also be diminished.
Physical fitness and mental fitness take practice, dedication and commitment.
Copyright c 1997 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.
Hi.
I’m an experienced Clinical Practitioner, Administrator, Professional Writer, and Lecturer.
