Columnists
The Keys
The Gym Sisters had lunch together on Friday. As is often the case, we had no problem landing on a topic – or ten. One of the most poignant was a very, very short discussion about dementia. We three are in our eighth decade. Half past seventy for two of us and the “baby” Sister is heading in that direction this year. We aren’t shy about our mental health nor are we demure when it comes to our physical health. The common thread of our conversation was living our best life and just how we have each decided to do that. Wanting to live our best life is key! Like most adults, we want to be healthy, physically fit, have the resources to do a bit of travelling and enjoy some of the “finer things”. A wee glass of wine now and then, maybe a Chai Latte, a yummy dessert, a fabulous piece of chocolate, laughing with good friends, spending time with our families, perhaps a shopping indulgence and, just for argument’s sake, a bag of Lays Potato Chips now and then. It’s not much. We aren’t fancy people.
What we sorta, kinda skirted around was the big picture of mental health. If Dementia and Alzheimer’s can be labelled as “mental health” concerns, we only dipped our toes into that pool during our Friday get together. Honestly, most of us older people are more open to the idea of eating more veggies or dropping a few pounds than we are about the notion of developing Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Both neurological conditions are like the depths of the ocean or the vastness of outer space. We all know those places exist but we don’t want to talk about it and, definitely, don’t want to go there. Perhaps by avoiding the topic of Dementia/ Alzheimer’s we aren’t inviting either condition into our lives. Nobody wants to poke the bear or jinx things! Anyone who has made it this far in life will be secretly looking for signs of mental decline as soon as our feet hit the deck each morning. Every day we power through life asking ourselves, “Did I turn the burner off? Did I press send on that email? Where are my keys? Why are my keys there? Did I pay that bill? Why do I have four boxes of teabags? I don’t remember my seventh grade teacher’s name! Is that a problem?” The concern I hear most often about Dementia/ Alzheimer’s is whether or not one has inherited the condition from someone in the family. My Mom developed memory health issues after a couple of serious head injuries. Each of us knows someone with Dementia or Alzheimer’s. But the hereditary issues, the genetic connection, is what strikes the fear of forgetting into our minds. The thing is, neither Dementia nor Alzheimer’s have been proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, to be hereditary conditions. We may know someone in the family who had those conditions but it isn’t something we necessarily have to “look forward to” acquiring. But, that being “said”, there are some things you can do to stay sharp!We all need to adopt an active lifestyle. Try walking, regular exercise, gardening or swimming. Physical activity increases blood and oxygen flow which boosts your brain function. Eat a balanced diet. Ditch the exclusion diets and make friends with fruit, vegetables, plain nuts, healthy fats, lean proteins and complex carbohydrates. Get out there!! Be sociable. Enjoy yourself. Read, do puzzles, take up a hobby which will challenge your thought process. Protect your brain by wearing a helmet when cycling (or skiing or skateboarding or snowboarding). QUIT SMOKING!!! Limit your alcohol intake, monitor your blood pressure (it’s free to check at a drug store). Have your cholesterol levels checked and follow your caregiver’s orders. Clean up your sleep environment. Limit your screen time in the evening. Make sure you’re getting at least eight hours of sleep each night. Avoid toxic situations and toxic people, aka stress!! (I’m not telling you to avoid doing your taxes or going to the dentist).
Now, before you get all upset about all of the shoulda, coulda, woulda and don’ts, take a big breath pour yourself a cuppa or a coffee or a glass of wine and have a good laugh with your lovelies. The most important part of good mental and physical health is all about living your best life and remembering where you put your keys.
I know where my keys are but I’m going to check the burners.
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