Di Patterson, MSG, CPG
Did You Know…
That people your grandparents’ age and older can learn and grow every day they are alive? That they can learn to play new musical instruments, speak new languages, and use new technologies? The human brain is amazing. The old saying, “Use it or lose it” applies not just to the body, but most importantly, to the mind. Research at JPL Laboratory related to space exploration found that the outstanding feature of humans is their curiosity. Curiosity is in direct conflict with boredom. The lesson for all ages: Keep exploring, keep learning!
Did You Know…
Your kidneys reach their optimum functioning at age 10 (!), then very, very slowly, but very surely decline for the next 100 years? Take a moment and think about that…and be kind to your kidneys!
Did You Know…
Adsorption is the key to getting the benefits from your medicines and supplements? When you can, choose liquid over capsules, capsules over tablets; and if someone cannot swallow well, then transdermal creams or gels are a good alternative. Think of a small earthquake: swallowed medication hits our livers after digestion on the first pass of blood circulation and continues to circulate through our livers. But transdermal applications enter our livers on the second pass; relieving the shock, but not the strength of the medication! Using transdermal cream/gel applications uses the very effective vascular delivery system then transfers to general circulation.
Did You Know…
Cells in all adults are very slowly shrinking; and in the older adult, reproducing less frequently, and becoming less agile? The biology of aging, in a nutshell, says: Everything is shrinking! That’s why concentrated forms of almost anything: all types of sugars and carbohydrates like alcoholic drinks; medications; vitamins; pain pills; even fruit juice, tea and coffee…affect older adults more rapidly and harshly. That’s why older adults need less carb calories and more proteins and vegetables.
Did You Know…
One of the most respectful things we do for others (and ourselves) is to honor one’s preferences?
Especially in aging, people find that they are most comfortable and function to their optimum in what they have chosen to surround themselves with as adults. Family, friends, foods, living spaces, jobs, clothing, exercise, entertainment; such make our lives! By honoring one’s preferences, we show them true respect; which is one of the foundational must-haves in successful aging!
Did You Know…
Human brains do not fully develop until age 25? And it’s also why the last seven years of your primary childhood, ages 18-25, are as important to your development as your first seven years. Stick close to your parents and grandparents during those years for advice and wisdom. The more I learn, I agree with brain experts that tackle football is dangerous to children before age 18. A wonderful friend of mine, Sue Rueb, began an amazing organization called B.R.A.I.N.: Brain Rehabilitation and Injury Network. You can check it out at TheBrainSite.org.
Did You Know…
Your “Second Phase of Childhood” begins at age 25? “Adulthood”, in lifespan development terms, does not technically begin until between the ages of 32 and 36. People make the quantum leap into their adulthood in their early-to-mid-thirties. It’s during this age when people take a realistic look at their money-earning years and decide that they can accomplish about 1/3 of the dreams and goals of their childhood and teen years, leaving the rest behind or for older phases of life. People who successfully leap into adulthood are maturing appropriately during this life-stage. People who do not successfully mature during this (age 32-36) time-frame usually experience the heartbreaks of immaturity; making successful aging more difficult later.
Did You Know…
That the slower response times of older adults to “cold turkey” questioning (asking questions without introduction to a memory) comes from the huge amount of data and information they are paging through in their brains? If you pose your questions in a multiple choice way, (“Is the dress red, pink or green?” or “Was your coffee hot, cold or room temperature?”) you will get a faster response time and your older adult will feel more confident in their answer. Have patience: older and much-older adults are quite busy checking their databases!
Did You Know…
At any age, you will guard your structural health by putting clean sheets on your bed from the kneeling position? When kneeling, you save your back and neck from damage; at the same time strengthening your core stomach muscles, which in turn strengthens your lower back!
Lastly, Did You Know…
That Di Patterson, Gerontologist, says: “No one WANTS to age, but EVERYBODY wants to AGE WELL!”? About 20 million Americans and another 100 million worldwide agree with her!
