Page 218 - Mind Games The Aging Brain and How to Keep it Healthy

202 • Chapter 6

husband’s medications ran out at the same time that the
pharmacist saw the two prescriptions together and immedi-
ately informed us that we needed to contact the doctor.
Take all of your medications to your doctor and to the
pharmacist. Ask the pharmacist to check them all and deter-
mine whether there are any potential adverse interactions.
And when you are doing this, bring along your vitamins and
supplements.

CONCLUSION

We hope that you have learned a few facts in this chapter
that you did not know and found a few ideas to integrate
into your lifestyle. Because rehearsals are one of the learning
techniques you are incorporating and practicing, let’s take a
minute to recap.
Research has identified many factors associated with
successful aging and maintenance of mental agility. Briefly
discussing each one, let’s start with your general health. The
absence of diseases and good overall health indicate that
your body is performing at an adequate level and is able to
provide the support (nutritional and physical) that your
brain requires to operate efficiently. Another factor was high
socioeconomic status. Having a little extra access to other
members of society and having at least a little money for ex-
tras allows you to indulge yourself in more educational ac-
tivities and the stimulating environment that is conducive to
mental animation. But if you do not have a lot of money,
there are plenty of free opportunities for exercising those
mental muscles. Visiting the library, having a friend over to
your house, and going to rehearsals of plays and musical
performances are all possibilities for exercising your mind.
A stimulating environment keeps those neurons popping
and creates new connections. Search out new interests and
new opportunities. Many colleges will let seniors take
classes at a reduced rate or will waive the fees entirely (see
Appendix A). Next, having a flexible personality is an indi-