Masters of Health Magazine April 2022 | Page 74

Redefine Retirement

 

Mahatma Gandhi said you should “learn as if you were to live forever.” Wise words. We have already explored what happens to our brain when we learn. But what happens to our brain when we stop learning?

What happens when we go from that extended vacation to retirement? What happens if your definition of retirement is sitting on the front porch with a glass of iced tea watching the world go by?  Well, when your brain stops being used, it atrophies.

 The brain consists of three main parts: the forebrain or cerebrum which is responsible for thought and speech; the midbrain or upper part of the brain tapering stem which has cells involved in eye movement; and the hindbrain or lower part of the brain stem which contains cells responsible for breathing, regulating heart action, the flow of digestive juices, and other unconscious actions and processes. The cerebellum lies behind the brain stem and plays an important role in highly skilled movements.

 

The brain is the most complex organ in the body. It serves as the center of the nervous system and is located close to the sensory organs for senses such as of vision. The cerebral cortex contains approximately 14-16 billion neurons. The cerebellum contains about 55-70 billion neurons. Neurons are the most important cells in the brain. Neurons are connected by synapses that transmit electrical or chemical currents to other neurons or the target effector cell. The presynaptic part is located on an axon which transmits messages, and the postsynaptic part is located on a dendrite or soma which receives messages. 

Neurons communicate to other neurons, muscles, and glands via long nerve fibers called axons.  The more you use your brain and when learning, the more these cells construct, expand, and remain active. So, when you’re sitting on the front porch with your tea and you have a book in your hand, you are continuing to stimulate your brain. Keep learning and you will maintain your sharpness. If you don’t have that book or something you are learning about, then your brain will start to lose its abilities. And, as you begin to decline, you won’t adjust to change as easily and you’ll have difficulty dealing with problem solving. 

 

Keep Learning

 

Socially, when you make a choice to stop learning, there is little reason to engage with others. You simply don’t have anything relevant to contribute to the conversations that go on around you.

Removing yourself from life by no longer being willing to learn creates a lack of confidence. That lack of confidence can lead to isolation and depression. Life does not have to be that way!

 

And just FYI, aging doesn’t justify your choice to stop learning. If you’ve begun to slow down your once active love of learning just because of a number, stop! Make the necessary changes to keep your brain youthful and useful.

A 100 Year Lifestyle chiropractor is a good place to start making the connections you need to keep your brain functioning at its highest levels. 100:100—living at 100% for 100 years is a choice!

Make the right choice today!