Some keys to staying mentally fit

I keep seeing and hearing the term "mental fitness" these days, especially in connection with older adults. What is it exactly? Why is it so important, and should I be concerned about it? Anna N.


Striving to attain mental fitness has to be the most important objective for anyone, but especially older adults. Mental fitness gives us heightened awareness and observation skills, better communication and concentration, helps us to accept challenges of existing problems as well as to solve them--in general, it helps us to be in charge of our own life.
Although most everyone has a high level of mental fitness when in charge of a family and an occupation, after retirement that level may have dropped because the need for such rigorous thinking is no longer there. Just as physical fitness is reduced if we don't have regular physical exercise, mental fitness is lost if we are not diligent about mental exercise.
Obviously to develop or improve mental fitness we must start at a level that is not too difficult. {After all, nobody starts a physical fitness program by running a marathon.} Sensory observation is a good place to begin a program for the improvement of mental fitness. Sensory observation simply means awareness using all five senses. For example, choose a common object that you often use, such as a paper clip. examine it closely using all senses--touch it, look at it , listen to it, smell and even taste it! {Making sure it's clean, of course} Some of your observations might be: silver, smooth, makes a noise when dropped on the table, odorless and tasteless. Remember however, that telling what it is used for is not a part of this exercise. How many observations can you make? Try for at least fifteen.
Also try this exercise with small edible things such as a pretzel stick, or a glass of sparkling water.
If you are persistent with this technique it will soon become a habit. You will be much more aware of your surroundings, noticing details of which you have never before been aware. This will improve your confidence and concentration. This result cannot be accomplished without effort. Mental exercise is not easy, but it is so rewarding if you are willing to work at it!
Of course, there is much more to mental fitness than improving your observational skills. Great benefits also arise from rigorous thinking and from learning something you never before knew. Learning a new language or hobby can be very beneficial. Recent research also indicates that crossword puzzles can help ward off or perhaps even prevent Alzheimers disease.
My advice to you, and to anybody else is to become involved in mental activities. Take care that the level of difficulty isn't too high or you may get discouraged. Start at an easy pace and work up. Try a number of different puzzles--crosswords, logic problems, cryptograms, acrostics, and any others which interest you. There are many puzzle books available these days. Many of them offer a large variety of kinds of puzzles. Find the types that you enjoy the most and see how far you can go with them.

Greetings All! I am so happy to be with you and hope that I may be able to help if you have a problem or a question. Just call me at the number listed at the end of the column, or send an e-mail.

Connie Lynch