A few years ago, while waiting for a doctor’s appointment, I saw an ad in a Reader’s Digest publication for “the new pill that can end aging because it is guaranteed to help de-age your body 15 to 20 years.” It claimed, “The world’s leading anti-aging doctors, scientists and two Nobel Prize winners agree that taking this pill will result in people feeling younger and healthier in only 30 days.”
That’s quite the statement!
I’m sometimes asked what is the “the secret sauce” to ensure healthy aging. I reply there isn’t one … despite the claim in Reader’s Digest.
I mention the usual tips we learn throughout our lives:
- Exercise 30 minutes a day
- Eat healthy foods
- Get plenty of sleep
- Drink lots of water
- Learn new things
Often the term moderation is referenced in the conversation. And, while this laundry list may sound like it’s the same old thing, something new is the “why” behind these recommendations. And that’s where Embracing Aging comes in.
A picture paints a thousand words
A colleague recently introduced me to Martha Lester Harris. Martha studied how the brain works to help her daughter, who was born with a learning disability. Using this knowledge, she developed programs that transformed learning for students needing additional support. Fascinated by the wonders of how we learn, she now dedicates her later career to applying research-based principles of the mind body connection to help older adults.
She showed me comparison images of two brains: one of a person who is physically active and one of a person who is not. The contrast between the two was worth a thousand words and this led me to wanting to learn more.
Embracing Aging recently interviewed Martha for an online session titled, Love Your Brain and Body.
The 30-minute discussion introduces the science behind the guidelines we are told to follow for a healthy life. To learn about this research and to see the active and non-active brain images, watch the full interview below. Martha‘s easy conversational style made the session a joy.
The Secret Sauce to Healthy Aging
What is the “secret sauce” to ensure healthy aging? The “secret sauce” is the choices we make. Waking each day with the intent to follow the healthful guidelines as best we can and giving ourselves grace when we go off course.
Use the information outlined in the session to inspire habits to love your brain and body. When we do, we put ourselves in the best position for quality aging. This benefits us and those we love.
