Senior Moments are True

For years, scientist, physicians and the medical community have thought that subtle changes in your memory and mental function occur naturally as you get older and rarely before age 60. Now we are thinking that may be a little optimistic: a new study was published recently in the British Medical Journal suggests the age related mental changes are happening as early as our mid-to-late 40s. 

I am well aware of this, how about you? There are times now when I will forget an actor's or actress’ name, when I probably would have thought of it a lot quicker 10 years ago. 

Now I should tell you that you shouldn’t be alarmed if you occasionally forget where you placed your keys. More worrisome is forgetting how to prepare a meal or driving to a place you have driven to frequently, in the recent past. 

It is those types of cognitive deficits that we associate with Alzheimer's disease or early dementia, things that impair activities of daily life.

Researchers followed over 7,000 men and women for 10 years. The participants were between 45-70. They found people ages 45 to 49 years experienced a notable decline in mental functioning.

So what can we all do to slow this decline? 

Begin right now … today … to live a healthy lifestyle.

A healthy lifestyle includes exercising, which increases blood flow to the brain, providing it with much-needed nutrients. Eating foods that are good for the heart, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains is also important, because it could protect brain cells from age-related decline.

Now that it’s warming a little here in Atlanta I am going to begin another regular walking routine. I love walking as a way to stay fit.

What kind of things can you think of to live a healthier lifestyle? What are you doing for healthier foods?

Do you have any tips for easier exercises?

Keep striving for wellness,

Wellness Matters for Life

Life Coach Doug

For more info on coaching call 678-793-5399 or visit www.LifeCoachDoug.com