Page 86 - Mind Games The Aging Brain and How to Keep it Healthy

70 • Chapter 3

diminishes or eliminates the need to exercise those brain
cells and to practice remembering.
First, get a checkup to eliminate any physical reason for neg-
ative emotions. Then try to get busy. Here are some suggestions:

• Join a support group.
• Enroll in interesting classes.

• Make a new friend and learn something new together.
• Interact!

Work to improve your outlook on life. It will improve
your mental capabilities as well!

SOCIAL EFFECTS

Your personality and sense of responsibility affect not only
your relationships with others, your job, and your hobbies,
but also your learning abilities and style. Some people are
very self-driven. They are more likely to be lifelong learners.
Many tend to be independent learners and do not require
structured classes with instructors to guide them. Other in-
dividuals are peer-oriented and often follow the lead of an-
other in unfamiliar situations. They are more likely to benefit
from the assistance of a formal teaching environment. They
may be less likely to pursue learning throughout life without
direct access to formal learning scenarios or the influence of
a friend or spouse.
It is vital to your health and longevity to remain a life-
long learner. Research studies indicate that lifelong learners
tend to take better care of themselves, to be more aware of
current health issues and breakthroughs, and to show an in-
7
crease in IQ. The increased IQ is extremely pertinent to you.
In fact, a study of identical twins demonstrated that when
one twin had a noticeably higher IQ score, that twin always
lived longer. 8

People who are more intelligent tend to live longer
than people who are less intelligent.