In a changing world we need to be fit

An interesting study¹ shows that seniors who use a computer show fewer symptoms of depression than non-users. Email, chat rooms and gathering information in general, are beneficial to an individual’s mental health.

And yet, the information age brings all of us a constant stream of background noise. We have countless articles, documents, and books, shouting for our attention, so why do we need more stimulation?

Only 200 years ago, people knew that the world they grew up in would be more or less the same as the world in which they would die. In any case, people usually died at a relatively early age. In every nation where longevity has increased, so has the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. Depression too can be a problem with aging: losing loved ones as well as the loss of jobs, status in the community, health problems etc., can all lead to depression. Another possible problem is the feeling of falling behind: that change is overtaking everything.

The unchanging world of yesteryear is no longer true: everything is constantly changing. To deal with this, lifelong learning is necessary – for a new job (and we may have many in our long lives), or even for a new hobby (and despite the hustle and bustle we have more opportunities for hobbies now than ever before).

Mental fitness – like physical fitness – needs exercise. In this busy world we need to be able to move from relaxation to activity, from relaxation to concentration and from control to letting go. Flexing the mind, like flexing a muscle, brings mental strength.

Scientists now believe there is also a connection between physical exercise and mental fitness. Exercise strengthens the heart and keeps blood vessels open which ensures the brain cells get the nutrients they need for better performance. In particular, it feeds them glucose and oxygen.

Another study² shows that although neurons make up only 2% of total body weight, they use one quarter of all the glucose and oxygen the body takes in. Physical exercise also triggers parts of the brain related to movement and balance, which can keep neuron connections strong. 

We all know it makes sense of course: physical exercise and mental exercise are important at any time, but particularly as we get older. 

But these things can be fun. My wife has recently arranged for us to take ballroom dancing lessons. She read about it on the computer. Perhaps the Fred Astaire Dance Studio is nothing more than applied mental and physical fitness classes?  I guess I'll go along happily; in a changing world we need to be fit.

(References: 1. Village Care of New York  2. Institute of Gerontology at the University of Texas at Austin)