Brain expert: The No. 1 thing that sets 'SuperAgers' apart from people with 'weak memory skills'

[SheltieLover]

Last edited Sat Nov 26, 2022, 06:59 PM - Edit history (1)

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2022/11/25/brain-expert-the-no-1-thing-that-sets-superagers-apart-from-people-with-weak-memory-skills.html

There is a group of people that longevity researchers call "SuperAgers," who are in their 80s and beyond, but have the cognitive function of those decades younger.

Snip

As a neuroscience researcher and author of "The Age-Proof Brain," I've found that it's our behaviors, not just our genes, that have a powerful impact on our brain's destiny.

Snip

So what sets SuperAgers apart from people who have weak memory skills? According to a 2021 study that followed SuperAgers over the course of 18 months, one key differentiator was that they kept learning new things throughout their life.

Much more at link.

On edit: adding site with lots of free classes for seniors:

https://seniorplanet.org/classes/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAj4ecBhD3ARIsAM4Q_jFwRYWnFxUG4cnqplBNSW41Fy7w5mvZjF9-LR9hCQsGvC7zMRukAb0aAlvZEALw_wcB

AARP has some, too!

Enjoy!

[Bayard]

1. Like many things,

If you don't use it, you lose it.

[SheltieLover]

6. Absolutely!

💪

[Ray Bruns]

18. Lose what?

[Sky Jewels]

21. Keys?

Or maybe phone.

Hey, BTW, could you call my phone? It's somewhere in the house. Thanks.

[hwmnbn]

116. That happens to you too?? nt

[Croney]

2. I was just reading that article, and I can relate to her statement that

she feels like a Corvette being used as a grocery cart. At 78, I too feel restless and in need of more to do; but our similarities might end there. She auditioned twice for Jeopardy. That is far beyond my abilities.

My mom died last year at 98, with a fairly clear mind, so that's my goal. I doubt I have the brain characteristics described in the article.

[SheltieLover]

8. Take some online classes. Something different.

Learn to paint of do tai chi. My senior center has all kinds of free classes, some offered virtually.

Condolences on houf mom's passing.

[Croney]

16. Thank you! I stay active but should look into classes in 2023.

[SheltieLover]

48. I need to do more physical stuff.

Having a bit of foot drop & I don't want to aggravate nerve. Go figure, as soon as I bought treadmill... 😏

[slightlv]

46. gods! I wish we were closer!

You sound just like me. Our senior center doesn't offer much... it's a community center here, and just about everything is geared towards kids and teenagers! I'd love to learn tai chi, especially since I've lost so much weight (like 2 people total), my center of gravity has shifted. It would be really helpful in learning to get it back! But these few classes are only offered to younger teens, and then the ones I've called to see if I could, possibly, get exceptions to get into, ultimately were cancelled. So much for small town living (sigh).

For me, it's gonna be taking back up where I left up in candle making, I think. I left off with making simple candles. Time to stretch that into some really neat designs and tricks, perhaps. That's not only learning something new, but applying the knowledge with your hands and your brain (and probably getting frustrated while doing it... lol!)

[SheltieLover]

50. I love your candle making idea!

Call your local Council on Aging!

We also have Creative Agibg herw, not sure if it is national or not.

There are also tons of free classes online for seniors! AARP has some & this site does as well:

https://www.onlinecoursereport.com/free/senior-citizens/

Let us know what you find.

My senior center offers SAIL to help seniors reclain or build strength & balance. It's evidence based, meaning research supports claims!

Look at this site lots of great free courses online for seniors!

https://seniorplanet.org/classes/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAj4ecBhD3ARIsAM4Q_jFwRYWnFxUG4cnqplBNSW41Fy7w5mvZjF9-LR9hCQsGvC7zMRukAb0aAlvZEALw_wcB

[slightlv]

67. I'll check out the links

after I get through getting the chicken soup on for supper... thanks! I was doing a lot of falling in the last couple of years. That has subsided, thankfully. Only broke one bone, and that one thanks to my huge dog who went after a motorcycle, dragging me behind him. I went from 225 to 88 pounds in a couple of years, thanks to my fibromyalgia, lupus, and the meds I'm on. Getting used to the weight difference hasn't been easy. I'm also really short (like 4'9)... with metal throughout my body. I think the metal, itself, has something to do with my instability at times.

I've tried to do Tai Chi from online videos and haven't had great luck, but I recently bought a really large monitor. That might change things. I used to do it many decades ago, but only remember the first few forms. Those I still do. Unfortunately, I lost the teacher to time and distance and age. (sigh)

Thanks again for the links... will definitely check them out. I really would like to see our senior center do more active stuff with our seniors here in this small city. I know money is an issue. But sheesh! So is warehousing us! I'm a people person... up to a point... and I miss being with others. A stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet, right?! Who knows, maybe *I* could get something going with a class or something down there... anything's possible.

[SheltieLover]

74. Here is link for SAIL. Stay Active for Life.

Helps with balance!

Sorry to hear of your challenges.

I hope your new monitor helps!

On edit: https://www.sailfitness.org/

[zeusdogmom]

60. Talk to the manager of the community center

Suggest having 1-2 classes for seniors (to start - and suggest ones YOU want - Tai Chi for instance). Bet there are some other adults in your community who would love to participate.

My parents got the regional library to do a bookmobile stop at their assisted living center - just by asking.

[BlueWaveNeverEnd]

56. I'm trying to learn sign language. mostly from youtube. it works the brain so differently

than spoken language.

[SheltieLover]

58. It sure does!

That's a great idea! Thx for sharing.

[slightlv]

68. That's an excellent idea!

Especially for learning something that wires the brain in different ways! I once wanted to learn it, in addition to my psych classes. But I was told I first had to learn to talk without my lisp. Otherwise, they'd never accept me.

[electric_blue68]

73. Besides a combo of pretty good or better genes, and some good luck... taking Tai Chi...

a class in my early 30's doing it 5 yrs steady w a 2.5 yr fade off ...
then learning a different form around 10 years later from someone who was learning from a teacher in Chinatown (NYC) doing that steadily for another 5 yrs w a 2 ye drop off = 10 solid yrs & 5 yrs of lesser practice - I attribute having no chronic aches & pains.
IF I do something wrong to myself then of course I'll experience temporary hours, days, a week or so of discomfort, or pain.

I also love it bc I don't have to get down on the floor like a lot of yoga poses. I'm flexible to do so, just don't want to.

I have to look up some Tai chi vids on line /or find the instruction sheets I drew & wrote descriptions for after each lesson from the second instructions.
I do remember on small portion but bold movements in the second form. I do that from time to time. 👍
.
ETA: Oooooo just googled up 'what are the forms if Tai Chi AND....
besides still photos and vids there are a few sets of Sequencetial Drawings!
Answer said there are 5 major forms. If these drawings don't show what I remember (I will recognize some) at least I might be able to eliminate some, narrow it down 👍

[nolabear]

3. I hope so. I get very restless if not learning something.

But because of health issues this past year I’ve had less energy. I sure hope it comes back! I’m not that old.

[SheltieLover]

10. Check your local senior center! Mine offers a wide variety of virtual offerings

Art, exercise, tai chi, etc!

Loads of free courses for seniors online, too!

I hope you feel better soon!

[nolabear]

44. We have a great one here. Funded by Rick Steves!

Well, in part I’m sure. He’s from where I live and they built a new one just in time not to be able to open it because of Covid. It’s now thriving. I’ll confess I don’t frequent the place but should. In fact I’d like to teach a writing class there. Teaching is learning, after all, and I need to put that MFA to use!

[SheltieLover]

47. Oh I'd love to take your writing course!

Do it!!!

[nolabear]

54. I've thought about doing a couple. I love doing it.

Just have to get off my tired booty and do it!

[SheltieLover]

57. I'm working on a mystery & always looking for ideas.

Last edited Sat Nov 26, 2022, 08:42 PM - Edit history (1)

Reading "The Lineup" but Otto Penzler, owner of the Mysterious Bookstore, NY. He is also a mystery editor.

Fascinating to read NYT bestselling authors describe how life experiences & observations helped them form, name, & evolve characters.

So far I've read about Jack Reacher & Harry Bosch, two of my favs!

[nolabear]

77. Do you know Stephen King's On Writing?

Even if you’re not a fan it’s one of the best, most entertaining writing texts out there. Mystery isn’t my genre though I like them. But they’re great character studies!

[SheltieLover]

79. Ty! I'll see if library has an ecopy!

Sounds fascinating!

[nolabear]

81. He tells his own story and connects it to finding plots,

creating characters, just good storytelling, marketing, etc.

[SheltieLover]

82. Sounds like the entries in Penzler's book!

Fascinating how their life experiences shaped their phenomenological view of their audiences, what defines a true hero, etc!

Ty for sharing!

[SheltieLover]

86. Library has it. I put on hold.

Ty so much!

I've been really enjoying Ellery Adams' bibliotherapy.

[nolabear]

106. Let me know if you get excited over craft books.

There are some good specialty ones out there that you can pick up and put down as you need ideas.

Although, when I was doing my MFA work most of what I did was read assigned novels, short story collections, etc. and wrote critical papers on elements of what they did. It was ridiculous fun, and I learned a ton.

[SheltieLover]

114. Will do, thx!

Your MFA sounds like a couple of years of immersion in mind candy!

I read about one book per day. But they're easy reads.

Thx so much again!

[malaise]

4. THIS

Rec

[SheltieLover]

11. Thx!

[eppur_se_muova]

7. I'd rather wear out my brain than let it rust out.

Not everyone feels the same, sadly.

[SheltieLover]

12. You can't wear it out!

[eppur_se_muova]

13. I can try ! nt

[SheltieLover]

15. Same here!

[Prairie_Seagull]

83. Been giving it the "good ol college try" for years. haha n/t

[SheltieLover]

84. Same here. Lol

[hlthe2b]

9. Boy have I (anecdotally) witnessed this among women (especially) who were always

dependent on a husband to make the majority of decisions for them both and never worked or sought any independence. Some might call it "Edith Bunker syndrome," but in reality, that character's dependency on Archie was more "show" than reality. Like my own Mom, I'd bet when she got in the voting booth it was straight-line Democrat.

While we'd like to think that has disappeared nowadays, I recall seeing those sorority gals--the minority surely of major universities--but the stereotype of them being there just to entice a husband with $$ still exists.

[SheltieLover]

14. I had a lot of hospice bereavement clients who were widows.

Most had no idea how to exist without husband, let alone live.

It was amazing to teach them how to balance their checking account & pay bills. They felt so empowered! 💪

[nolabear]

45. I didn't know you worked in hospice.

Imo the finest work there is.

[Rebl2]

51. My mom

made most of the financial decisions, not my dad. She was a banker in her professional life, but unfortunately she developed dementia. She had several blood clots over the years. I think being active, and friendships makes a difference. She and dad had few friends and rarely went out. They both read and kept up with the news, but I think being physically active makes a big difference.

[DENVERPOPS]

66. we used to call their college major pursuit

an....... "M.R.S. DEGREE"

[NNadir]

17. This may explain Trump's weak mind. n/t.

[SheltieLover]

20. He does seem to be uneducable.

[DavidDvorkin]

19. I have been learning new things all my life

But I keep forgetting them.

[Sky Jewels]

22. Same.

But I can remember the tagline and jingle of nearly every ad from my 1970s childhood, so I've got that going for me.

[flamingdem]

23. Thanks DUers for keeping me a bit sharper

So many here are SuperSmart AND politically discerning!!!

[SheltieLover]

28. I share your sentiment!

[flamingdem]

97. Got to keep the synapses firing!

[SheltieLover]

98. Absolutely!

And gef bling between the neurons of newly formed neural pathways!

[hedda_foil]

24. I teach 10 different 6-8 week Zoom classes on a range of history topics through local CC

Community College Lifelong Learning program. Developing and teaching the classes keeps me sharp. I use a lot of video clips and class discussion to keep people intellectually engaged with the material and each other. I usually teach two or three two-hour classes a week and rotate the topics. It's made a huge difference in my life and most of my older students say it does the same for them.

Anybody who's interested can sign up from anywhere, though most of my students are local.

[SheltieLover]

30. Nice! Thx for sharing! My senior center offers a lot of freeclasses, virtually as well as in person.

Enjoy!

[hedda_foil]

36. Thanks, SheltieLover!

[SheltieLover]

39. I also found a site online thag offers a lot of free classes for seniors!

Can't seem to find it atm' bye AARP has free courses, as foes this site:

https://www.onlinecoursereport.com/free/senior-citizens/

[SheltieLover]

52. Found site! Seniorplanet org!

https://seniorplanet.org/classes/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAj4ecBhD3ARIsAM4Q_jFwRYWnFxUG4cnqplBNSW41Fy7w5mvZjF9-LR9hCQsGvC7zMRukAb0aAlvZEALw_wcB

[cally]

117. Could you provide a link?

Sounds interesting

[hedda_foil]

124. Of course, Cally.

This is the entire Continuing Education catalog. Go to Lifelong Learning and check out History and Culture. Many of the classes are in person but all of mine are online via Zoom. I'm Joan Krawitz.

http://online.flipbuilder.com/cod-mcs/svew/

[cally]

128. Thank you!!

I’m going to browse courses now and possibly take some

[hedda_foil]

132. Wonderful!

It's an amazing program. Have fun!

Hedda

[bronxiteforever]

25. Kick & recommend

[SheltieLover]

31. Thx, Bronxite!

[JoeOtterbein]

26. K n R ! Thanks for posting! nt

[SheltieLover]

32. Yw! Thx for kick!

Ps - try your local senior center for free of los cost classes of all kinds!

[KS Toronado]

27. Now I know why my learning habits don't work. Thanks Sheltie!

[SheltieLover]

33. Wahahaha!

Good one, KS!

[bobnicewander]

29. Aaaand

1 + 1 is 2. 2 + 2 is 4. 4 + 4 is 8. 8 + 8 is ... is... is................... DOUBLE DIGITS!!!

More than my fingers!!!

[SheltieLover]

34. Hi Bob!

Was thinking of you today! Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving!

Try your local senior center for a variety of free or low cost offerings. Mine offers art classes (materials provided), exercise, tai chi, writing, etc., etc! Most are offered virtually in addition to in-person.

I hope you are well!

[bobnicewander]

134. Well is

day by day, mostly good. Getting ready to have cataract surgery.

I had a very nice Thanksgiving as a guest in the home of my friends, the director of the local Veterans Drop-In-Center and his wife.

My wishes are for you to have a happy holiday season and beyond and with good health too!

[FailureToCommunicate]

35. So THAT'S Biden's secret!!

[SheltieLover]

40. Could be!

I get exhausted reading his daily schedule.

[Chainfire]

37. I am aging, but it is hard to tell if my cognitive function is failing.

I have never had a good memory.

[SheltieLover]

41. Well, you can certainly improve your memory.

[GreenWave]

38. Learn another language

New neurons are generated!

[SheltieLover]

42. Absolutely!

Brain plasticity is amazing!

Important to try something different, learn something new to form new neural pathways.

[JI7]

43. There is so much useless crap marketed as self care or wellness

but just something like going for more walks and taking an online class or something at a local community center or college could do far more for a person than the money they spent on useless crap.

[SKKY]

49. Which is why I'm glad I chose a career in IT...

...since everything is obsolete in 18 months, I have to keep learning new shit all the time. I can't remember a time when I wasn't studying for some sort of certification exam.

[SheltieLover]

53. Welk yes, but the key is to learn new, different types of things too

What do you do in IT, if I may ask?

Grandson is studying networking.

[SKKY]

55. Cybersecurity, mostly data governance but some actual analyst work when the opportunity...

...arrises. Any good cybersecurity analyst I know got their start in networking, or even on a help desk, and built their foundation from that. I actually miss running a help desk a lot.

[SheltieLover]

59. Great career!

Kudos to you!

I'll bet it's pretty much solitary work, as opposed to help desk.

Hd seems to enjoy it, but college doesn't have the actual equipment to practice with.

[SlimJimmy]

109. First question from the help desk ...

"Is your computer plugged in?"

I actually miss running a help desk a lot.

[ananda]

61. This makes so much sense. That's why I play bridge.

I study and learn bids and plays all the time,
and it's complex.

[Prairie_Seagull]

85. Have always wanted to learn bridge.

You reminded me. haha Thanks. I will look into it.

[ananda]

129. I highly recommend it.

It's helped me both mentally and physically.

[electric_blue68]

62. I have a lot of Interests, so I'm always learning something in various subjects. Finding connections

between different Interests, and fields is fascinating.
I love the Internet bc I can find out so much stuff, plus look at things, events, etc.

Then I'll sometimes new things in my physical creative endeavors. Though each time I make something there is some newness there. Other times there's a whole lot.

A lot of my aunt's & uncle's stayed sharp into their 90's, so I hope that for me and my sis, our cousins.

[SheltieLover]

63. I enjoy finding the connections, too!

Who knew my fav childhood passtime, connect-the-dot books would prove lifelong hobby?

That's great you stay so active & enjoy it all so much!

[electric_blue68]

69. Ha, connect the dots! ...

Those were fun.


Of course I loved the ?Attenborough TV series: Connections.

[SheltieLover]

70. I got 1 of those books & 1 Nancy Drew book per week when I was a kid.

Good stuff!

I've not seen that. Is it good?

[electric_blue68]

75. Oh, I loved it. Fascinating kind of twisty, turny history of how certain things...

led to other things but not always in a ?linear way if I remember right.

[SheltieLover]

76. Netflix?

If so, I'll give it a look.

Thx for sharing!

[electric_blue68]

78. Oh, goodness I have No idea! This was back on I think - PBS, Public Television. Good hunting!

[SheltieLover]

80. Oh, ok. Thx!

[JanMichael]

64. Toss in weight training (resistance) for brain health too.

https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2020/02/11/strength-training-can-help-protect-the-brain-from-degeneration.html#:~:text=Researchers%20have%20found%20that%20six,up%20to%20one%20year%20later.

Who knew a deadlift could help your memory? Or at the very least slow down Alzheimer's and dementia.

Edit: and on top of the brain health it also prevents falls and damage from falls. Plus you look better and feel better.

[SheltieLover]

65. Absolutely!

Ty for making these great points!

[Prairie_Seagull]

87. I use dumbells while walking on treadmill.

Started out with ultralight weights and have worked up. Two birds, one rock. Works great.

[SheltieLover]

88. Sounds like a great workout!

[malaise]

90. I use them on my stationary bike

Fifteen minutes daily

[tavernier]

71. Every night before I go to bed I play Jeopardy on Sporcle.

I surprise myself at how quickly my brain picks the right answer (what planet has the largest moon?), and then I surprise myself in other areas as to how long my brain requires time to remember the name of my favorite movie star, Helen Mirren.

And stranger, yet, I got a 98% score on a science and physics Jeopardy test (never took any physics classes) and almost all of the answers I gave were total guesses, not multiple choice but fill in the blank. Can you figure that one out? I do admit that I am a retired nurse, and some of the science questions were familiar and/or common sense answers, but most were Chinese to me.

[SheltieLover]

72. Wow! Good going!

[malaise]

89. Quiz show regular here

Was watching a rerun of The Chase and was amazed that I remembered so many answers,
The mind and the body must be exercised to keep going. I exercise daily.

[tavernier]

91. Sporcle is great for that.

I’ve had the App a few years. The daily questions are great, but you can always go to search and find a lot more stuff under Jeopardy or trivia or specific areas such as science, medicine, music. etc.

It’s my “right before sleep time” brain exercise. It isn’t too overstimulating because once you’re ready to go to sleep, you just start giving stupid answers and then you know you’re done.

[SheltieLover]

95. Greaf way to fall asleep.

Our brains encode into memory what we learned during the day, especially info right before snoozing out, as we are falling asleep.

[SheltieLover]

94. Good for you, Malaise!

[DontBelieveEastisEas]

96. I think I figured it out

A Monkey could write a great poem, according to the "Infinite Monkey Theorem".

It seems you made some lucky, but uneduacted, guesses.


J/k, mostly you used some uncommon sense, I'm sure.


I often say, "I was just lucky, but then I always seem to get lucky." (clint eastwood?)

[betsuni]

92. I have a weak memory and forget the new things I learn. It is the destiny of my brains.

[SheltieLover]

93. But you can improve your memory.

Brain plasticity is truly amazing!

[betsuni]

100. Afraid not, had the same brains all my life and have tried.

Some people are like Andy Warhol:

"I have no memory. Every day is a new day because I don't remember the day before. Every minute is like the first minute of my life."

And:

"I can see a murder mystery one night, and then see it a second time the next night and still not know who did it until the very last minute. So I know there's something really wrong with me. ... If I've seen it fifteen times, then maybe one time out of the fifteen it'll come back to me and I might get a glimmer of who did it. I guess time is actually the best plot -- the suspense of seeing if you'll remember."

This happens to me all the time. I'll watch something on Netflix and get half-way through before realizing I've seen it before. Then keep watching because I don't remember the ending. Anything Agatha Christie on TV I have to watch. The husband says: Um, haven't we seen this before? I reread books and the rereading is like the first time. This is economical, and I really never get bored. Also, someone with really good brains probably gets upset when the brains don't work so well with aging and whatnot, but I'm used to it. There are silver linings.

[DontBelieveEastisEas]

101. Weird Things

The thin guy wins the hotdog eating contest.
The smallish white guy wins the NBA MVP award.
A woman is the leader of the most populist Muslim country in the world.
The guy with no memory is the smartest guy in the room.



https://www.iheart.com/content/2017-09-17-scientists-say-that-being-forgetful-is-a-sign-you-are-unusually-intelligent/

Scientists Say That Being Forgetful Is A Sign You Are Unusually Intelligent
By Kate Taylor September 17, 2017

Traditionally speaking, the person who remembers the most things is seen to be the smartest.

The study, however, found that forgetting the occasional detail is normal. In fact, remembering the big picture as opposed to little details is better for your brain and your safety, in the long run.

Wikimedia Commons / Gray

You see, our brains are actually a lot smarter than we think. Our brains are so smart that the hippocampus (where memories are stored) weeds out the most important details.

As CNN put it, this helps us to “optimize intelligent decision making by holding onto what’s important and letting go of what’s not.”

[betsuni]

111. I like that article better.

Jerry Seinfeld said the smartest stupid people he knows are comedians, most comedians he knows are knuckleheads.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

125. Yeah, man, like I remember every campus had weeds. Don't remember hippos, though.

Don't bogart.

[DontBelieveEastisEas]

130. Thank You for the Generalization Example

Here you go, I forgot I was still holding it man. hahahaha

It is far more efficient to remember that you will find weed on all campuses, than to remember what the name of the pusher man was from 20 years ago, what he charged and what tree he liked to stand under.

Thank you again, you have helped others to understand how this benefits an individual.
You have given a perfect example.

Counterintuitive things,
The thin guy wins the hotdog eating contest.
The smallish white guy wins the NBA MVP award.
A woman is the leader of the most populist Muslim country in the world.
The guy with no memory is the smartest guy in the room.
A black man is the president of the United States.

[DemocraticPatriot]

99. My father was quite sharp to the very end of his long life---

and ran his own household while continuing to help his children who needed it...

He only began to fail greatly in the last year of his life, where physical ailments seemed a greater ailment than cognitive ailments--- but they began to be intertwined....

He drove until he was 90, when they finally took his drivers license due to the latest accident and his failure of the 'road test'. (He passed the written and eye tests, even though I thought his eyes were the problem--- afterwards I concluded that his problems were due to a "slowing down" of the brain--- but he was never such a good driver anyway. Once in the 1970s, he backed into the car of my sister's boyfriend, who was parked in the driveway behind him. Looking behind before backing up was one of his weakest points--- LOL )

((and when he was 14 years old, he drove his Model T through the chicken coop! That is all I know about that one! about 1944...))


When they took his license, I consoled him with the thought, 'Well, Dad, hardly anyone is still driving at 90 years old--- because most of them are already dead!' and he replied 'Yeah, I guess you're right!' LOL

Six months after that, he died, at the beginning of the Covid crisis, at the age of 91 (non-covid death).



Joe Biden just turned 80 ?? I think he has plenty of "good years" left...

[deurbano]

102. At 67, I returned to Berkeley last spring to finish my undergraduate degree.

I've only got the hard stuff left... like producing a research pilot project for my Mass Incarceration (Soc) research class 40 years after the pre-requisite methods and stats classes! I was worried I wouldn't be able to keep up, but I have been one of the top students. It turns out it helps to do the reading! (Who knew?)) Also, my fluid intelligence may not be quite as... fluid... as it once was, but the crystallized intelligence seems to make up for it. (I mean, I actually lived through some of the "history" we have been studying!) Plus, cognitive reserve...

I started getting in better shape during the pandemic, and that has really helped with energy and stamina. At any rate, now I want to go to grad school, and take ballet and do other stuff I thought I was too old to do.

[OAITW r.2.0]

103. I wake up everyday thinking....

what will I learn today that I didn't know yesterday? And, sure enough, I learn something new on DU everyday.

[summer_in_TX]

104. Lots of colleges make auditing classes for free for seniors

over 65.

I finished a masters at a few months shy of 60 and learned all kinds of new skills, some in class and some from the young students in my class. Using my phone as a copier, for instance.

After a friend nudged me to volunteer using some of my new skills, I gained confidence, made new friends, and was of real use. That's a big motivator for me, I love to be of help. A very busy retirement these days. But I like being busy as long as it seems to be helpful.

Plus it's gotten my creative juices flowing.

[summer_in_TX]

105. Lots of colleges make auditing classes for free for seniors

over 65.

I finished a masters at a few months shy of 60 and learned all kinds of new skills, some in class and some from the young students in my class. Using my phone as a copier, for instance.

After a friend nudged me to volunteer using some of my new skills, I gained confidence, made new friends, and was of real use. That's a big motivator for me, I love to be of help. A very busy retirement these days. But I like being busy as long as it seems to be helpful.

Plus it's gotten my creative juices flowing. I've got projects in mind.

[BComplex]

107. That's why stereotyping older people is so wrong. Aegism is wrong.

But not much attention is paid to it.

[Aussie105]

108. Use it or lose it - definitely!

I had a lot of hobbies while working, just to counteract the boredom stress of my job.
Kind of let them go since retiring 10 years ago.

Cars probably need something done to them, if not an old bomb to do up, repaint.
And there is bound to be some carpentry and plumbing around the house I've neglected. And painting. Walls, ceiling, outside!

Oh my! Gonna be busy!

[Ms. Toad]

110. Most states allow seniors to audit courses at state universities

for free or at reduced fees.

EdEx also offers tons of free courses at well-known universities. I've taken a couple from Harvard - one fantastic, one not so hot. But it's free - so you don't lose anything if it's not so hot.

I'm currently taking classes at the University I retired from in April. (I get to take the greater of 6 credits or two courses free of charge). Mostly I'm running circles around my younger peers - I'm at 99% in both classes, with the semester ending this week.

[anarch]

112. well I guess I'm well-positioned; in my fifties, but my wife says I have the mind of a 14 year-old

if I live to see 80, I bet I'll have that down to a kindergarten level of mental age-equivalence.

[lambchopp59]

113. I can relate this this lost guy:

https://ispot.tv/a/qu7d

[intheflow]

115. My mom (92) just moved into an independent living place.

She’s asked if she could lead some lifelong classes, as she did until she moved from MI to MA 2 years ago. She is my ultimate Shero for keeping it together as I age!

[Roisin Ni Fiachra]

118. "No all who wander are lost"

So much to explore, so little time.

[lark]

119. This is why I continue with my onlline Portugese learning.

I know my memory isn't excellent, like it used to be, so I do this to try and help my brain. I am not learning it like I would have if I was younger, and I know my accent isn't good, but I can read a lot of it now and say some. Some weeks, like for Thanksgiving, I skip. Maybe I'll do some today, in between decorating the house for Christmas. I unpacked 2 bins plus 1 cabinet yesterday, have 2 more bins and the big cabinet full of tree decorations still to go plus a Jaguars game today. It's going to be a busy day, but I like that for a nice change.

[twodogsbarking]

120. I learn new things at DU thanks to you and so many others. You humble me.

[highplainsdem]

121. There's so much to the world - so much to do, so much to discover, so many skills

and activities to learn - that we barely scratch the surface during the years through our 20s when most of us are in school, and then careers and family can become our single (well, dual) focus for years after that. Ideally we keep learning new things during that time (and God knows kids can teach older people a lot, as well as vice versa), but the extra leisure time most of us have as we get older is perfect for expanding our horizons, and our minds.

I saw YouTube mentioned just briefly above, re sign language lessons, and I want to mention it again, since it's an endless source of education as well as entertainment.

It's great that a lot of colleges will let seniors audit classes for free, and many senior centers and community centers offer classes, too. So do many stores - I got my mom signed up for classes at a craft store years ago.

But YouTube is always there and as close as our screens. Whether you want language lessons, music lessons, art lessons, or just about anything else that could interest you and keep your mind active. Not to mention all the videos on health and physical fitness, since that active mind also needs a healthy body, one that's as healthy as possible, to support it.

[BobTheSubgenius]

122. Describes my mother-in-law to a T.

95 and still as sharp as a tack.

[msfiddlestix]

123. Musical Instrument, play/practice/learn a new tune

For every new piece I learn, there's a million more already written and archived somewhere.

Or take a piece you have already learned, create new variations, transpose in different keys, major to minor etc.

Only know how to read music? Start learning by ear, or vice versa.

I got started learning and playing an instrument in my early 30's, by learning a tune on a tape recorder and searching for the notes on the fretboard of a mandolin, rewind and repeat.

My inclination to this day is learning a piece by ear, my challenge is learning to read and play at the same time. Also, in recent years I have developed severe vision issues, so now my challenge to read and play simultaneously and is now particularly difficult.

This is the field of learning that keeps me energized, excited, happy and my blood pressure at normal levels. I think it helps my brain functionally in tune as well.

I totally believe playing a musical instrument is the key to maintaining good mental, emotional health and well being.

[republianmushroom]

126. Like

[OnionPatch]

127. My mom recently passed at 91.

She had only a HS education but was curious about everything up until near the end. She didn't get around as much when she was older but she always read everything she could get her hands on, all sorts of subjects; science, environment, social issues, politics, metaphysics and philosophy, health/wellness, etc. She told me about new things she'd read every time we talked. Her husband/my step-father passed around the same time at age 96. I think she kept him on his toes.

[jaxexpat]

131. I learn new things almost every day.

For instance, I recently heard of a thing called "SuperAgers". I just can't remember where I heard about it or what it is. I just hope scotch is not their kryptonite or I'll just have to resign.

[csziggy]

133. That fits my parents

My father died at 90 and Mom at 97. They bother stayed active, learning new skills up until their late 80s. Dad started failing at about 88 but Mom stayed active and alert until after his death. I believe between losing her husband of 67 years and the way his death broke our family, she just let go. She started showing serious dementia about a year or two after Dad died and it progressed more and more over the next few years. Since she was already two years older than Dad, she stayed alert and cognitive longer than he did by a few years.