The Wisdom of Age: Amazing Capabilities of the Brain After 60
Many of us fear aging, especially when it comes to brain function. However, recent research in neurobiology brings surprising news: the elderly brain has much more potential than previously thought!
Dr. Gene Cohen, director of the George Washington University Medical Center, asserts that our brain becomes more plastic with age. Although information processing speed may slightly decrease, the brain of a healthy elderly person gains in flexibility and wisdom in decision-making.
Here are some amazing facts about brain function after 60 years:
- The peak of intellectual activity occurs around 70 years.
- Between 60-80 years, the amount of myelin increases, accelerating signal transmission between neurons.
- After 60, a person can use both brain hemispheres simultaneously, allowing for more complex problem-solving.
- Older people cope better with critical situations, choosing optimal solutions.
- With age, the brain becomes less impulsive and more rational.
- Contrary to popular belief, brain neurons don’t die off en masse with age. Connections between them may weaken, but this can be prevented by engaging in mental work.
- Absent-mindedness and forgetfulness in old age are often the result of excess information in “working” memory, not a sign of degradation.
- Intuition significantly increases with age.
- With a healthy lifestyle, intellectual “power” doesn’t decline with age, but can even increase, peaking at 80-90 years.
An interesting brain exercise:
One of the most amazing discoveries is the ability of people over 60 to activate both brain hemispheres simultaneously. You can try a simple exercise: slightly tilt your head left or right. This simple gesture can help you engage both brain hemispheres simultaneously, potentially quickly improving your ability to solve complex problems!
How to support brain health at any age?
- Don’t limit the intake of new information. Learn, read, solve puzzles.
- Take care of physical health. Regular walks and exercises improve cerebral circulation.
- Eat right. The brain needs proteins, fats (especially lecithin and Omega-3), vitamins, and minerals.
- Monitor thyroid health. Hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid function) can significantly affect cognitive abilities. Iodine plays a key role in the production of thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism and affect brain function.
- Manage stress. With age, we become more resistant to stress, but it’s important not to overload ourselves.
To support brain and thyroid health, Nature’s Sunshine offers the following products:
- Kelp (brown algae) – a source of organic iodine to support thyroid function
- Lecithin – an important component of cell membranes, supports brain functions
- Omega-3 – essential fatty acids for nervous system health
- Chlorophyll – improves tissue oxygenation, including the brain
- Ginkgo Biloba – improves cerebral circulation and cognitive functions
- Gotu Kola – supports good memory and concentration
- GG-C – a complex to support cerebral circulation
- Mind-Max (“Strong Mind”) – comprehensive support for cognitive functions
Remember that caring for brain health is a comprehensive approach, including proper nutrition, physical activity, mental stimulation, and support for all body systems, including the endocrine system.
Our brain has amazing capabilities at any age, and our task is to help it unlock its potential!
We wish you health and wisdom!