Page 207 - Mind Games The Aging Brain and How to Keep it Healthy

Regain an Agile Brain • 191

Photo courtesy of Henry Ortega

Older and Wiser

Marguerite Empie began exercising two years ago with tai chi,
an excellent low-impact form of exercise. She became interested in
yoga as a result. She is 79 years young and has only recently begun
yoga classes. She now takes both yoga and tai chi three times a week
and volunteered the information that her balance and walking have
improved dramatically. She also highly values the interaction with
the other class members.

they experience a decrease in lymphocytes (which fight off in-
fection). An increase in psychological distress and the pro-
duction of cholesterol also increases the body’s production
of free radicals (which can damage body cells and tissues).
Try massage therapy to defend yourself against the
effects of stress. I know a couple in their late eighties who
schedule themselves for a massage twice a month as pre-
ventative medicine. They swear they have never felt so
good or had as much energy. If you do not want to go
to a professional massage therapist, get together with a
friend and give each other a massage. Another relaxation