Important Truths About Aging and Retirement Planning

With the launch of the amazing Miraculous Retirement Coaching Program, I have been closely monitoring  a couple of interesting information sources. 

And, my interest in the practical application of binaural audio and subliminal video programs has me monitoring the work being done by organizations like Sharp Brains, Immrama Institute, and Hypnotic I Media are doing. 

Every once in a while, these topics cross over in very intersting ways. 

For instance, I saw reference to an article entitled “Ten Important Truths About Aging“ by Elkhonon Goldberg and Alvaro Fernandez of Sharp Brains (www.sharpbrains.com).

I was really stunned by the implications of these Truths:

     Neuropsychology Indicates That We Can Control Our Aging

     Aging Means Lifelong Development, Not Automatic Decline

     Some Skills Improve With Age

     Some Skills Need To Be Continuously Nurtured And Trained

     Not All Instances Of Forgetting Are Of Equal Concern

     We Are In Control, To A Large Extent

     There Are Four “Pillars Of Brain Health”

     Cross-Training Our Brains Builds Up Cognitive Reserve

     Computer-Based Brain Exercise Programs Can Help

     Embrace “Good” Stress; Eliminate “Bad” Stress

     Retirement Is Overrated

The article also makes reference to a recent book The Wisdom Paradox: How Your Mind Can Grow Stronger As Your Brain Grows Older, by Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg.  

In it Dr. Goldberg explains:   

“that as we undergo experiences, we actually change our brains by creating new neurons and synapses.  This process never stops; our brains enjoy lifelong plasticity.  Until recently, a popular misconception was that neurons die as we age and do not get replenished. Now, neurogenesis, or the ability of our brains to create new neurons until the very day we die, is a proven reality.”

The article concludes:

“Many baby boomers want to remain active and mentally stimulated beyond arbitrary retirement ages. Given demographic trends, this will create a large group of people working into their 60s, 70s, and 80s. Society at large will have to adapt its education, health and employment policies to benefit from this trend.

In summary, the latest neuroscientific research has shown that, contrary to popular belief, the brain is constantly undergoing neurogenesis.  Learning new things and targeted mental exercise promote the development of new neurons and connections between neurons, just as muscle growth is promoted through physical exercise—and this can take place at all ages.  Indeed, work itself, and embarking on second and third careers, can provide great cognitive exercise.”

Did you get that?

In another of my recent posts, The Miraculous Sound of Clarity, An Education For Entrepreneurs & Retirement Planning In A Box, I reference Marc Freedman’s book “Encore - Find Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life” indicating that this is precisely what people approaching retirement are doing.   

As you dig a little deeper you will discover that doing something you are truly passionate about provides maximal cognitive stimulation with minimal ‘bad’ stress. 

So if, as you approach retirment age, you begin pursuing the interests or vocations you are truly passionate about; perhaps those you have deferred for years, you will not only be more satified and joy-filled, but you will likely live a longer, healthier life as well.

With sincere gratitude,

Steve

www.championsuccess.com