Do You Have a Mature Brain?
Roger Anunsen, a science writer dedicated to translating neuroscience breakthroughs into compelling, usable messages, stated recently at the National Village Gathering in Baltimore that brains are not fully mature until age 60.
Wow! Take a breath and let THAT sink in.
Emphasizing that we are living in an exciting age of discovery about the human brain, Anunsen reported that ninety-five percent of what we know about the brain has been discovered since 1998. Specifically, much is being learned about the aging brain. Promising research shedding light on the positive aspects of this developmental phase is just emerging.
It is becoming clearer that assuming that cognitive decline is inevitable as we age may be short-sighted and simply wrong. For one thing, there is much that we can do to keep our brains in good working order as we age. Anunsen reports that research shows these six to be very important: physical movement, mental stimulation, social engagement, stress management, diet and nutrition, and sleep and rest. While these are important at any age, according to this research they are especially important over age 60 when we find ourselves navigating with our fully mature brains.
Cheverly Village offers our community building blocks necessary for a healthy brain, a healthy life and a healthy heart, no matter one’s age. “Aging in Motion” is not just Cheverly Village’s logo. When we say we are “helping Cheverly seniors to stay in community and age in motion,” we are saying we are committed to supporting a connected, thriving, intergenerational future in this town that we love.
As we enter 2018, we will provide even more opportunities for our neighbors with fully mature brains to continue to engage with their peers, other community members and volunteers. We will continue to provide volunteers of any developmental age with the direct experience of knowing people who have reached their true brain maturity and are aging well. Consider joining us as a member or volunteer and help us create our best future!
To learn how to become a Cheverly Village member or volunteer, or how to make a tax-deductible contribution, please call us at (240) 770 1033, write us at village@cheverlyvillage.org, or check out www.cheverlyvillage.org.
— Teresa Williams, for Cheverly Village Board of Directors