Positive Aging

Growing Old is Mandatory -- Growing UP is Optional - I'm sure you've noticed by now that the banner atop my BoomerBikerOnline website is not at all subtle about its' premise.

Yes, we will all grow old! Unfortunately, that's an undeniable fact of life! But now there's a growing body of scientific proof pointing to the fact that adapting a positive attitude toward the inevitable and staying active can have a dramatic affect on ones quality of life in later years.

Its called "Positive Aging" and the leader of the pack undertaking this type of research is Gene D. Cohen, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Cohen is the first Director of the Center on Aging, Health & Humanities (established 1994) at George Washington University (GW) - http://www.gwumc.edu/cahh/about/cohen.htm - where he also holds the positions of Professor of Health Care Sciences and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

DR. Cohen is at the forefront of a movement to focus attention on the capacity for positive change and creative expression in the second half of life, rather than on aging as a problem.

Progress in the perception of aging:

1. Before Dr. Cohen's groundbreaking research, it was "nihilism," essentially that people grow old and die, so there was no need to pay attention to the dynamic of the process.

2. Gradually by the 1970s, researchers began looking at aging and its potentially modifiable problems.

3. And by the end of the 20th century, researchers began to see the potential for changes and for creativity in aging."

These days, through his examination of the accomplishments of late-blooming artists such as Grandma Moses, Picasso and Georgia O'Keeffe, all of whom reached their creative peak late in life, DR. Cohen, 63, has been able to reach several scientific conclusions.

According to Cohen, not only can older brains produce new brain cells, but the latest research shows that the brain can draw on areas of itself underused in earlier years, compensating for effects of aging.

From age 60-80, the brain's information processing center achieves its greatest density and reach. What's more, the brain has the capacity to "re-sculpt" itself as certain genes are activated by experience as we age.

Dr.Cohen believes "Positive Aging" is the "ongoing potential for psychological growth, increase of pragmatic creativity, personal development, meaningful interpersonal relationships and creative expression (and) positive brain changes in how we process emotions."

"Pragmatic Creativity," Dr. Cohen explains is ones ability to put learned knowledge into context. Then he added, "Then it develops into having a sense of inner freedom to try something different. It empowers people to think, 'Why not? What can they do to me?"'

Maturity and intellect yields wisdom.

As we age, we tend to use both sides of our brains more equally (which) is like chocolate to the brain -- after all, autobiographies, memoirs and folk art, are all examples of activities dominated by older people. Dr. Cohen is a true believer in brain fitness: "Staying sharp mentally is becoming as important as physical fitness." Engaging the mind can be as simple as volunteering, becoming interested in a hobby, or even joining a club. Dr. Cohen feels that an activity is (best) if you feel like you are mentally sweating." and sharing your experiences with other people.

Aging, "may be the best example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts." - Dr Gene D. Cohen, M.D., Ph.D.

So, here's this week's Tip of the Week to all of you.

Embrace the good Dr.'s research and begin taking advantage of your "Pragmatic Creativity" - your ability to put learned knowledge into context. And when you do, your "Pragmatic Creativity" will give you a sense of inner freedom and the mental ability to try something different.

Of course this website recommends that you consider "motorcycling" as the optimum anti-aging physical and social activity for we boomers. "So, try it" -- Doctors Orders!

Till next week, just remember, "Four wheels moves the body, two wheels moves the soul."