Strength of Mind
TIPS TO KEEP MEMORY SHARP AND IMPROVE COGNITIVE FUNCTION
GET PHYSICAL Taking care of our physical health has also been shown to help brain function. According to a study by Sydney University in Australia, aerobic exercise is particularly good at jogging our memory. The researchers note that “aerobic exercise acts by preventing the usual decrease in neurogenesis associated with aging, thus resulting in greater retention of neural matter — particularly in the hippocampus.” In short, exercises like swimming and running keep the part of our brain responsible for memory from shrinking. SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY Humans are social creatures. Many studies have shown that being a part of a supportive social group can significantly benefit our physical and mental health. In fact, the American Journal of Public Health reports that people who have daily contact with friends and family cut their risk of dementia and mental impairment almost in half. Our mental diaries may be longer and fuller than they were in Wilde’s day, but if we fill those pages with hobbies, exercise, and close friends, our memories will remain sharp and vivid for the rest of our days.
Irish poet Oscar Wilde once called memory “the diary that we all carry about with us.” Of course, in Wilde’s time, the average life expectancy was less than 50 years old. As modern medicine
continues to enable people to live longer, these “diaries” tend to become muddled. Fortunately, there are ways to counteract the natural dulling of our memory that comes with time.
PUZZLE YOURSELF Just like any other muscle, our brain needs workouts to stay strong. As Dr. Celeste Robb-Nicholson of Harvard Medical School writes, “Challenging your brain with mental exercise
is believed to activate processes that help maintain individual brain cells.” Activities like solving puzzles, learning a musical instrument, or picking up a new hobby work wonders to keep your mind active and your memory sharp. These mental exercises are especially important after retirement often to make up for the loss of stimulating challenges that work used to provide.
HOW TO GET MORE FROM YOUR GLASS
Tips for Wine Enjoyment and Appreciation
Robert Louis Stevenson once described wine as “bottled poetry.” It’s a great description because it demonstrates what makes wine simultaneously special and delicious. For whatever reason, many people view the wine world as something with a high barrier to entry. Nothing could be further from the truth. “People
don’t explore, you will never truly know what you actually like. Far too many people stick to only California Cabernet and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc because they think that’s what they’re supposed to enjoy. However, the wine world is bigger and more varied than ever before. Take the time to explore as much of it as you can. As a bonus, traveling off the beaten path will give you a chance to taste world-class wines at a fraction of the cost of their more celebrated counterparts. BE MINDFUL OF TEMPERATURE “It’s sadly an article of faith that many restaurants, and homes for that matter, will serve white wines too cold and red wines too warm,” writes New York Times wine critic Eric Asimov. In general, the more complex a wine, the closer to room
temperature you want to serve it. You may actually want to serve an unctuous white like Burgundian Chardonnay at a warmer temperature than you would a gulp-able light-skinned red. Tinker with serving temperatures and find what works best for a given wine rather than following some pre-prescribed rules. DRINK FOR ENJOYMENT Wine can be profound, yes, but it’s mostly just delicious. Don’t let anyone browbeat you into drinking anything other than what you enjoy. If you want to have a German Riesling with a steak, go ahead and do it. Life is too short to follow anyone’s “rules” for enjoying wine. Look to experts for guidance and suggestions, but let your palate be your ultimate guide.
should have fun with wine,” says sommelier Andre Hueston Mack. Here are some tips that will allow you to do just that.
EXPLORE A WIDE VARIETY An oft-repeated refrain when it comes
to wine is “I don’t know much, but I
know what I like.” The problem with this line of thinking is that if you
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