There are many platitudes such as the suggestion that we are only as old as we think we are. Although it is no doubt our thoughts that help to keep us youthful, or influence the speed of the ageing processes of our body, there are certain physiological considerations that also must be taken into account.
Physical health means that the brain is likely to retain its healthy functions and condition also. This is a fundamental priority if we are interested in remaining as vital and youthful as we can. But there are specific facts known to science that help us to understand further.
Our brains require quantities of oxygen and absorption of vitality from the subtle atmosphere of our environment. This is taken for granted when we are young but as we age we must consciously draw upon nature’s universal supply in fresh air and improve our respiratory capacities. Every cell needs oxygen and our brain eagerly consumes up to what has been assessed as two thirds of what is provided in order to keep all systems functioning. The brain’s demand for adequate circulation of oxygenated blood points to the need for us to do regular exercise.
The brain gradually is inclined to reduce in weight and volume until at 70 years it has lost 5% of its weight. By about 90 years of age it may be reduced by approximately 20%. It requires vital nourishment from easily digested foods and vitamins. We therefore must be specially considerate of the factor of diet and our need for health supplements as we get older.
Scientists observe changes in the neurons of the brain as well as atrophy of cells and changes in hormone levels. Unfortunately these changes are all inclined to reduce the levels of brain and body function rather than improving them. The loss in brain weight is thought to be related to the shrinkage of the large neurons. In the basal forebrain it is shown that these neurons shrink or die as we age.
Sally Janssen’s wonderful book “Mental Fitness: A Simple Self-Help Guide”, offers simple and timely solutions. Read more…
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