Page 208 - Mind Games The Aging Brain and How to Keep it Healthy

192 • Chapter 6

technique is yoga. Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that
is especially beneficial for helping you learn to relax. You
can start at any age.
Other negative emotions are anger, depression and
loneliness. A study of 1,623 heart-attack victims, conducted
by researchers at Harvard Medical School, discovered that
“angry episodes” doubled the risk of a heart attack. The
heart attacks “often occurred a mere two hours after the
outburst.” 21 Someone suffering from anger and hostility
needs to learn some forms of stress management.
Loneliness is inversely related to self-esteem. Feelings of
loneliness are linked to depression, anxiety, and hostility, as
well as suicide and vulnerability to health problems. Pa-
tients who suffer from depression are four times more likely
to die within six months of a heart attack and three times as
likely to die within 10 years of a stroke. Some researchers are
beginning to investigate whether treating psychological
conditions can increase survival rates, and two studies show
that participants in support groups have higher survival
rates for various cancers. The Charles A. Dana Foundation
has established the Brain-Body Connection to further re-
search into the ramifications of this brain-body link.
Dr. Schaie found that being married to a smart spouse is
directly associated with maintaining our mental abilities
and aging well. He found that the mental quickness of one
spouse would entice the other spouse to become more effi-
cient in order to “keep up.” Perhaps you are not married,
but you may have a significant other or a close friend with
whom you spend a great deal of time. You probably share
some of the same interests and may have interests in differ-
ent areas as well. Learn from each other. Be adventurous.
Try new restaurants, take a class together, go to the movies
and discuss the plot afterward over a cup of coffee. You will
practice your verbal and logic skills as you converse. You
will exercise “flabby” brain connections as you learn about
new ideas and explore new opportunities.
To combat loneliness and mild depression, get involved.
Join a senior citizens center. Take classes. Volunteer at your