Written By Alan Good
It’s a simple question, isn’t it? Or is it? When it comes to aging, what do you perceive yourself as—mentally?
We have looked at the term “agism” and the negative connotations we receive, either from our past, people close to us, or our own negativity. We forget something and, pow, we are old! Maybe you don’t walk as fast, or do things as quickly, as you once did.
Often, I am asked why I haven’t retired from writing and real estate. Sometimes people, if they haven’t seen me in a while, comment that they thought I would have retired by now. My answer is usually, “Why retire when I enjoy what I do?”
Why does western society, still think that a person of a certain age should slow down? In eastern cultures, the elderly are revered for their wisdom and knowledge of past family or societal events.
Scientists have proven that as we age, we don’t lose brain matter but grow more. If you work it! The brain is a muscle and like any other muscle it must be nourished and exercised.
“A completely average memory is a remarkable thing when joined with the willingness to work it like a muscle and the right set of age beliefs.” States Becca Levy in his book, Breaking the Age Code: How Your Beliefs About Aging Determine How Long and Well You Live.
I enjoy working my muscles. I spend at least an hour a day, 4 to 6 days a week, doing some kind of exercise. Instead of lost muscle mass I have kept and even increased it. I can do more, and last longer at tasks that need my concentration and stamina.
The key to improving our minds is the belief that we can improve our brains. Age beliefs affect our memories to an astonishing degree. Studies have shown that a few positive words, taken in as a belief, can make a difference in cognitive skills.
“We see this in what is called the “confirmation bias” that operates by giving more weight to evidence that confirms what we already think is true and undervalues evidence that could disprove it,” Levy says.
In other words, as you think, you are.
“Belief is an attitude of mind determining the whole course of one’s life,” James Allen states. “Belief and conduct are inseparable, for the one determines the other.”
Your view of aging can influence your memory’s health and performance. And those views can be shifted along negative or positive lines.
Scientists state there are vibrations around us which have different intensities. If your mind is negative, you attract events that are lower in frequency. Think positive, life-affirming thoughts, and you will attract that which is at a higher frequency. When we change our thinking—believe we can—we will soon arrive at a better state of being.
After over 50 years, I tented for two weeks in northern Ontario this summer. This may not be what you want to do, but ask yourself, “What do I want to accomplish?” Then, plan and believe you can.
“I can be what I will to be”.
