How to Stay Mentally Agile and Sharp as You Age

Focus Point

How to Stay Mentally Agile and Sharp as You Age

Notes taken from inc.com by Jeff Haden

Are you concerned about losing your mental sharpness as you age? The good news is that with a little effort, you can enhance and maintain your mental abilities throughout your life.

Intelligence is not Fixed

Intelligence isn't fixed; it's a dynamic process shaped by our experiences, environment, and lifestyle choices. By making a conscious effort to engage in activities that challenge your brain, you can improve your cognitive abilities and prevent mental decline.

The Brain's Ability to Form New Connections

Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form new connections and pathways, allows us to learn and adapt to new situations and challenges, even as we age.

Ways to Maintain Mental Agility

There are many ways to maintain mental agility, such as learning new skills or languages, exercising regularly, challenging yourself with puzzles or games, and staying socially active.

Takeaway

So don't worry about aging and losing mental agility. With the right mindset and habits, you can stay mentally sharp and focused for many years to come.

Coaches Q&A

Q: I seemed to have put on a bit of weight suddenly. Nothing major, just 10 lbs, but it came on suddenly and I do not think I have changed much in my lifestyle or diet. If anything I have been eating at home more.

What could be the cause and what should I do about it?

• K. M. - South Africa

A: My first response to the question and possible cause of a sudden increase in weight starts with the most simple and basic observation. What time of year are you making this observation/realization? If it is late winter/early spring where you are living, that extra 10lbs could be from less physical activity combined with “heavier foods” over the winter months.

The next thing to look at is adequate sleep and rest: any prolonged negative stress to the body can put the body in “fight or flight” mode. When the body is in this mode, the digestive system converts food to fat instead of food to energy. If the body is chronically underhydrated, this can be the culprit. Lastly, the intestinal microbiome is the key to many health issues, especially the ones that initially appear to be mysterious or not obvious. If the diversity of healthy microorganisms in the gut is off (or low), that can be the reason for weight gain. If the population of the “bad” organisms becomes greater than the population of “good” organisms (probiotics) this condition; called “intestinal dysbiosis” can also be the cause of sudden weight gain. There are simple solutions for all of these possibilities.

• Russell Mariani, Gut Health Expert, USA

Ways to Build More Resilience

Notes taken from verywellmind.com by Kendra Cherry

Building resilience is an essential skill that can help you navigate life's ups and downs with greater ease. It can help you bounce back from setbacks, cope with stress, and stay focused on your goals.

Practical tips to help you become more resilient and better equipped to handle life's challenges:

1. Cultivate a positive outlook by focusing on your strengths and accomplishments.

2. Build a strong support network of friends and family who can provide emotional support and encouragement.

3. Learn from your past experiences, both positive and negative, to develop greater resilience and wisdom.

4. Practice self-care by taking care of your physical and emotional well-being, including getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in regular exercise.

5. Set realistic goals and break them down into manageable steps to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

6. Cultivate a sense of purpose by focusing on your values and the things that matter most to you.

7. Develop flexibility by adapting to new situations and being willing to change course if necessary.

8. Stay connected to others by participating in social activities and building meaningful relationships.

9. Learn to manage your emotions by practicing mindfulness, deep breathing, or other relaxation techniques.

10. Focus on the things you can control, and let go of those that are beyond your control to reduce stress and anxiety.

If you struggle with negative self-talk or feel overwhelmed, it can be hard, but with some perseverance and self-compassion, you can overcome these obstacles and cultivate greater resilience.

Remember, building resilience is a process, and it takes time and effort, but it's a worthwhile investment in your mental health and well-being.

Explore Your Money Motivations

Notes taken from Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

The Role of Emotions in Financial Decision-Making

People are primarily motivated by two emotions when it comes to money: greed and fear. These emotions can often drive our financial decisions unconsciously, but it's important to be aware of them to make sound financial choices.

Scenario: Massive Pay Raise

Imagine receiving a massive pay raise. What would you do with the money? The answer to this question, according to the Kiyosaki's research, often reflects the class divide. Wealthy individuals tend to invest their money, while those with less financial education are more likely to spend it on tangible items.

Investing vs. Spending

People who were not born into wealth often view investing as unrealistic and are uncomfortable with the topic. They may feel that investing will cause them to lose money and are fearful of making mistakes. In contrast, spending on items like cars and property may seem more secure, but these purchases do not generate wealth in the long run. To avoid falling prey to these common temptations, replace these emotions with knowledge and making sound financial decisions.

The Importance of Financial Education

The key takeaway is to understand the emotional factors that motivate our financial decisions and to learn to ignore them. Financial education, which is often lacking in traditional education systems, is extremely valuable.

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