Yesterday I spoke to my 86 year old Aunt. I hadn't talked with her in years because we both moved and had lost contact information. It was great to reconnect and catch up. She talked about all the wonderful things she was exploring and doing. I commented on how great it was that she was still so curious about so many things. She said it has been that way her whole life. She also said that her friends always comment on how her changing interest sand curiosity has kept her young and vibrant. Her doctor thinks it has kept her 'real age' at about 20 years younger than her chronological age.
I really believe that curiosity is an anti-aging agent. Everything we are learning about brain agility and brain plasticity reinforces this view. There is so much research coming out now about how your thoughts can actually act back on your brain to heal you. This is because thoughts stimulate chemicals in the body and the chemicals can build you up or tear you down depending on which thoughts generate which chemicals. For example, worry and anxiety generate adrenaline and cortisol and wear your body down. Focusing on pleasurable things that you are interested in and curious about can generate the release of dopamine which can regenerate the body.
Many neuro-scientists are now talking about the role of learning and our ability to continually regenerate our brains and avoid some of the diseases of aging like dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The willingness and ability to stretch ourselves and to learn new things plays a key role in our mental agility. The more we learn new things, the stronger and more vital and vibrant we stay. Our curiosity is a key ally in this drive.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Advice for young adults, part 2
Thank you Beth, Susan, Barbara and Rachel.
I really appreciated your input and perspectives. It reinforces and adds a lot to my own understanding of the importance of experimenting, whether with classes, volunteering or trying on different jobs. You also countered the myth that you are supposed to know early on, and instead, drove home the idea of not deciding too soon or prematurely; in spite of the collective pressure to do so. The idea of dealing with adversity as a strengthening agent, I think is counter intuitive, but accurate. My only concern is about the timing, with young adults newly on their own. Chapter 9 in Barbara Sher's book, I Could Do Anything If I Knew What It Was, addresses this beautifully. Finally, the idea of sharing my perspective on the qualities I see in them, I think is important. I did share with one and he lit up. I think it is important to do this in a way that emphasizes that I am offering a perspective and not THE truth, so it leaves room for their own discovery of the qualities that are important to them. I know it is really valuable and important to each of them to really be seen and respected. Thank you again.
I really appreciated your input and perspectives. It reinforces and adds a lot to my own understanding of the importance of experimenting, whether with classes, volunteering or trying on different jobs. You also countered the myth that you are supposed to know early on, and instead, drove home the idea of not deciding too soon or prematurely; in spite of the collective pressure to do so. The idea of dealing with adversity as a strengthening agent, I think is counter intuitive, but accurate. My only concern is about the timing, with young adults newly on their own. Chapter 9 in Barbara Sher's book, I Could Do Anything If I Knew What It Was, addresses this beautifully. Finally, the idea of sharing my perspective on the qualities I see in them, I think is important. I did share with one and he lit up. I think it is important to do this in a way that emphasizes that I am offering a perspective and not THE truth, so it leaves room for their own discovery of the qualities that are important to them. I know it is really valuable and important to each of them to really be seen and respected. Thank you again.
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