Keeping our Brain Healthy and Relevant as we Age

We've all heard the saying that young brains are like sponges, absorbing knowledge effortlessly, while older brains are set in their ways and resistant to change. There is some truth to this conventional wisdom, but the story is not as simple as it seems. While it is true that as we age, our brains tend to become more resistant to acquiring new skills, there are nuances to consider.

The phenomenon of brain crystallization is often associated with aging. As we grow older, accessing knowledge already acquired gets easier but acquiring new skills becomes more challenging. This concept is the basis of the popular saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." However, there are other factors at play beyond just age.

It appears that our brains start to crystallize because we stop actively learning, rather than the other way around. From an evolutionary perspective, this makes sense. In a relatively stable environment with limited lifespans, it was advantageous to develop efficient brains with essential skills. However, times have changed.

We now live longer, and our environment is in a constant state of flux. To thrive in this ever-changing world, continuous learning has become a necessity. Engaging in new skills and acquiring knowledge is not only beneficial for personal growth but also crucial for maintaining optimal brain health. Every time we master a new skill, we are actively changing the structure and function of our brain. It creates new neural pathways, enhancing our cognitive abilities and promoting neuroplasticity—the brain's remarkable ability to adapt and grow.

So, how can we kickstart this process of continuous learning and keep our brains young? One simple yet effective approach is to use our non-dominant hand for mundane tasks. This practice serves as a gateway to initiating the learning journey. By performing everyday activities with our non-dominant hand, we create momentum in our quest for new skills. The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity. You don't need to come up with innovative tasks, new activities, or complex challenges. Instead, you can start by replicating what you can already do with your dominant hand.

This practice brings a double win. Not only do you become more versatile and capable, but you also stimulate the creation of new neural pathways in your brain. Each time you perform a task with your non-dominant hand, you are forging new connections and expanding your cognitive repertoire.

In conclusion, the key to keeping our brains young lies in adopting continuous learning as a way of life. By challenging ourselves to acquire new skills, we can defy the notion that old dogs can't learn new tricks. Using our non-dominant hand for everyday tasks is a practical and accessible way to embark on this learning journey.

So, use your non-dominate hand to open the car door and let us initiate the journey together.

Until next time

Scott and Lennart