Aging with Intention

We've all heard it before- you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Well, like many idioms from "back in the day", this one might be leading us down a less-than-true rabbit hole. For years now, various neurological studies confirm something remarkable about the brain: that neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to reorganize as well as form new synaptic connections) is maintained throughout the lifespan. What does this mean for us? Well, it opens up a world of possibilities! From language and music, to learning how to surf those San Diego waves- the brain allows us to learn and hone new skills at any point in life! 

A key component to exercise, just like most things we do, involve building neuronal connections in our brains. While beginning later might present more challenges due to outside factors like injury or illness, your brain plasticity is on your side when it comes to making strides in your physical health. So, no matter where you find yourself in your physical fitness, thank your brain for being your number one champion!

Getting into your car, stepping up onto a curb, or carrying a plate to the dinner table and feeling less-than confident? Well, you may just be missing a key component to your fitness regiment. ADLs- Activities of Daily Living- is a term used in the fitness and aging adult care space to measure induviduals' needs, independence assessments, fall risks, and more. Establishing these baselines helps to create goals for individulas looking to maintain or regain some or many aspects of their independence. 

How do we improve our ADLs? Through individualized and life-applied training routines including balance, mobility, functional movement, strength, and cardivascular training. A well balanced program will help you to move practically and with intention, so that you notice your every day activities becoming less arduous and more confident! So, make sure you incorporate ADL training in your exercise routine to keep moving through your life the way you want to!

Like to paint? Enjoy listening to Vivaldi? Your relationship with art is proving to be extremely influential in the aging process. Studies find that there are several key factors surrounding engagement with art-in any form-that significantly impact how individuals age. Research shows that regular engagement with art directly impacts physiological as well as cognitive health. Some of the results of these studies include: lower risk for dementia, lower rate of cognitive decline, and delayed rate of physiological aging. What's more, practicing versus simply engaging with (viewing, listening, or generally experiencing) art have the same benefits, so no need to attempt to be the next Picasso in order to gain the benefits of having art in your life! 

Like exercise, there's no bad time to start dipping your toe into a new world- especially one that positively impacts your health! Support your health and the arts by going to music shows or listening to your favorite music, seek out your local art museums/fairs/events, and even try your hand at making art-there's no such thing as "bad" art! 

Check out these links to explore what San Diego has to offer: 

www.sdmart.org/ 

www.sdopera.org/ 

www.sandiegotheatres.org/ 

arton30th.com/