While you may be happy for the years of wisdom you’ve gained since being in your 20s and 30s, you might be missing the mental sharpness you once had. Why not have the best of both worlds? Scientists have found that the human brain changes with age — neurons fire more slowly, for example, and short-term memory recall can be more challenging — but we often underestimate our capacity to continue learning as we grow older. Negative stereotypes about aging can reinforce these beliefs. However, new research is showing that older adults who’ve committed to immersive study of a new subject show brain function akin to someone 30 years younger. This goes beyond the tired advice to do a crossword puzzle or work a sudoku puzzle every day. The participants in this research study were learning entirely new subjects, like how to speak a foreign language, use a new piece of technology, or make art. STAY SHARP AS YOU AGE BY GOING BACK TO SCHOOL
Most colleges are designed with the traditional, 20-something college student in mind, which may not appeal or be a great fit for adults in their 50s, 60s, and beyond. But many universities are starting to cater to an older crowd with lifelong learning programs. One example is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Washington (UW). UW’s program offers a full course schedule on subjects in the arts, sciences, and current events taught by qualified faculty and provided at an affordable rate. There are over 100 such programs at universities across the U.S. Have a longtime dream to write children’s books? UC San Diego Extension has a certificate program for that! If you’re looking to dive into a single subject or perhaps you’d like to continue working in retirement or shift gears later in your career, certificate programs are a great option. No previous education is required. Most certificate programs are open to all, typically run for less than a year, and easily accommodate part-time learners.
Convinced of the benefits but not sure where to turn to learn? Try these two sources.
Celebrate your years of hard-earned wisdom but commit to keeping your brain young by going back to school this fall.
5 SELF-CARE TIPS FOR CARETAKERS You Don’t Have to Put Yourself Second to Treat Someone First
No. 4: Eat healthy and exercise. If you feel like you don’t have time to eat healthy or exercise, try making
Caretakers are often faced with very difficult challenges, but you don’t have to put yourself second, even when your priorities are fixed on other people. Here are five ways to take care of yourself, no matter whom you’re really focusing on. No. 1: Ask for help in specific ways, even for small favors. Would it make your life easier if someone else cooked or brought you dinner after a long day of caretaking? Contact someone to ask. Even if they seem busy, it doesn’t hurt to ask if they’ll do you the favor sometime. Self-care already takes a lot of energy, so it’s no wonder caretakers can be so exhausted by the end of the day taking care of other people. However, you don’t have to carry the burden alone. Ask for help and be specific so people know how to help you, too. No. 2: Join a caregiver’s support group. This is covered in the following article about the Alzheimer’s Association — check it out! No. 3: Take breaks, including days off. It might be hard to break away from your duties, but you definitely should give yourself a break once in a while to rest and recharge. It’s an excellent habit to manage your stress, mental health, and even physical and overall health. Just look into local home health care or adult day care services with Eldercare Locator (eldercare.acl.gov).
improvements one tiny step at a time. Instead of relying on an energy drink to get through the day, for example, try tea, coffee, or tea-extract energy drinks such as Nuun Energy and Hiball Sparkling Energy Water. Instead of spending an hour grocery shopping, try cutting it down to 30 minutes and spend the other 30 minutes doing a quick local jog. No. 5: Make time with family and friends. Being a caretaker can be an increasingly busy job, so the sudden “free moment” might never arrive unless you plan for it. Try to mix plenty of quality time with your loved ones into your busy schedule — it’s one of those things you’ll never regret because it can’t ever be replaced.
We hope some of these tips helped! And even if you’re not a caretaker, consider sharing this with someone who is. Thanks so much for reading!
2 | GilletteLawGroup.com
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