PATIENT of the MONTH
Stay Sharp as You Age
BY GOING BACK TO SCHOOL
Zach
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.
“I chose the charity Feeding America because I hate the fact that there are so many hungry people who cannot afford to eat.” –Zach Feeding America is a nationwide nonprofit with more than 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs to help feed more than 40 million people. In Massachusetts alone, there are over 500,000 people facing hunger daily. The organization works to gather food that is high in nutrients — before it goes to waste — to stock their food banks to help support people in need. Zach came to ProPT with foot pain that bothered him during many activities. He worked hard at each visit and always brought joy and laughter into the clinic. We all were so lucky to help Zach feel better and feel more confident with stairs, walking, and standing; it allowed him to gain employment at a job in which he excels! His commitment to success, as well as his enjoyment of the process, earned him Patient of the Month for August. We at Professional Physical Therapy would be honored to donate to the charity of your choice if you become our next Patient of the Month!
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 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.
Celebrate your years of hard-earned wisdom but commit to keeping your brain young by going back to school this fall.
2 www.proptinc.com • 508-528-6100
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