The term use it or lose it is just as relevant to the mind as to any other part of us. Recent studies have shown that performing mentally challenging tasks and games reduces the risk of such diseases as Alzheimer's.
Having spent a lot of of time with Octogenarians has lead to a clear understanding of the three keys that many of them use to maintain a positive philosophy and a positive life.
They are that we all need something to look forward to, something that is meaningful for us to do and someone to love.
After the loss of partners in their senior years many turn their attention and affection to pets.
Having a dog is, to someone bereft of their partner, a means of fulfilling all three.
Activity focus and drive is one way of being able to feel good about ourselves. Whether it is through physical activity or completing a stimulating project.
Clearly if the activity enhances other outcomes we are striving to achieve in life it doubles the reward. A good example is an office bound executive who has become overweight through physical lethargy who decides to shed some weight and become physically fitter,
The flow on benefits are an increase in satisfaction as the work load appears to become lighter. When in reality they have gone from merely functioning to performing. This can lead to more stimulating extra curricular activities and so the overall quality of life improves exponentially.
Dr Mark Hyman, author of The Ultramind Solution, is unique among health practitioners in that he has not only identified causes of a fall off in mental performance, but at the same time has provided solutions.
Many have concerns about memory issues and a "foggy" brain or more more succinctly put, a lack of mental clarity.
Bottom line is that to perform long term there needs to be a programme of maintaining a balance in all sectors of our lives.
While Western medicine has its place it falls short in that it is interventionist rather than preventative.
At a personal level I live with uncorrected atrial fibrillation which at the outset saw hospitalisation every couple of months for over a decade.
Today with a combination of Western and traditional Chinese medicine I still lead a very active professional life.
Chinese medicine seeks to restore balance to the energy systems of the body. An example of this is highlighted through the work of Dr Michael Lam.
Our very existence is miraculous particularly when the complexity of our very existence is considered. Too much of a good thing isn't necessarily good for you nor is too much of a bad thing.
The right things in moderation create the very real opportunity to live well in the moment along with great hope for an amazing future.
My father, Carol Stedman, died at the age of 37 of war injuries, but he instilled in his family the mantra that if you have your health you have everything. Most importantly the ongoing opportunity to live a success filled and happy life.
The challenge is what areas of your life need bringing back into balance so that you can live long, enjoy life and prosper?
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