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 that we often underestimate our capacity to continue learning as we grow older. Negative stereotypes about aging can reinforce these beliefs. 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.
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-to-them subjects, like how to speak a foreign language, use a new piece of technology, or make art.
Celebrate your years of hard-earned wisdom but commit to keeping your brain young by going back to school this fall.
Convinced of the benefits but not sure where to turn to learn? Try these two sources.
5 Simple Ways to Avoid Heat Stress
Usually, we have mild summers here in Michigan, but if 2021 has taught us anything, it’s that the weather is unpredictable. The heat domes that swept across the U.S. in June and July pushed Portland and Seattle to 108 and 112 degrees F, respectively, despite their reputations as cool, rainy locations. Will the heat come to Michigan? It’s hard to say, but if it does, it’s best to be prepared. Here are five tips from the CDC that will help you and your family prevent dangerous conditions like heat stress, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion. 1. Drink water — even if you’re not thirsty. According to National Geographic, you can sweat out as much as 1.5–2 quarts of liquid in an hour when it’s hot! To keep yourself hydrated, you need to replace that liquid, so make sure you’re constantly drinking water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
3. Take cool showers or baths. The water will bring down your body temperature. If you’re feeling daring, you can turn the handle to cold for other health benefits. Cold showers boost your immune system by increasing your white blood cell count, fight anxiety and depression, and give you more energy. 4. Avoid your stove and oven. Using the oven will increase the temperature in your home — so those cookies, pies, and roasts can wait! One poster on an eGullet Society for Culinary Arts & Letters forum found that her oven increased her house’s temperature a full 5 degrees F. 5. Use the buddy system . Find an older friend to be your “heat buddy” and make a plan to check in on each other when the mercury spikes. When you do, look for signs of heat stress like confusion, slurred speech, and profuse sweating. (Find more information on symptoms at CDC.gov.)
Of course, the safest bet of all is to stay indoors in a place with air conditioning. But barring that, these tips could save your life!
2. Wear light, loose clothing . Clothes in thin, light-colored fabrics with roomy cuts will help you stay cool in the heat.
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