Stay Sharp as You Age
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. 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.
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.
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
Celebrate your years of hard-earned wisdom but commit to keeping your brain young by going back to school this fall.
BRAIN! Train Your
Summer Vegetable Greek Salad
Inspired by CookieAndKate.com
INGREDIENTS
For the vinaigrette: • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved • 1 small cucumber, seeded and chopped • 1 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled • Optional protein choices: 1 cup cooked chickpeas or 6 oz Genoa salami
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1/2 tsp honey • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil For the salad: • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
DIRECTIONS
3. If you plan to serve all the salad at once, drizzle the dressing over the salad to lightly coat, then toss to combine. Otherwise, store the
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, garlic, oregano, honey, and salt. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking until well combined. 2. In a large serving bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, parsley, olives, and feta (as well as the chickpeas or salami, if desired).
vinaigrette and salad separately, then dress each portion before serving.
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