The inability to trust one’s mind is a frightening concept that is a terrifying reality for so many around the world. One of the most common medical fears in old age is developing a neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer’s. However, even if someone doesn’t develop a disease like this, eventually, everyone dies. Dr. Robert Friedland has devoted his life to researching memory and how the brain ages. I recently sat down with him to discuss his work where he provided several insights for protecting the brain from disease and living a long and healthy life.
Four factors that impact how you age
Dr. Friedland is releasing a book titled Unaging: The Four Factors that Impact How You Age in October 2022. In this book, he suggests that the determining factor in whether or not people die from medical issues in their old age is their resilience level, or as he called it, their “reserve capacity”. Dr. Friedland breaks down our multiple reserves into four categories: our cognitive reserve, physiological reserve, physical reserve, and social reserve. No area is more important than another. And all of these areas need to be maintained for the best results.
The first reserve is our cognitive reserve. The key to maintaining our cognitive health is keeping our brain active and the key to an active brain is a learning brain. Learning a new skill or hobby is a sure way to keep those neurons firing! The second reserve is psychological. This goes beyond simply keeping the mind active and dives into keeping it healthy. Things like self-care, meditation, and even therapy go a long way in keeping this reserve at an optimal level.
Let’s get physical
The third reserve Dr. Friedland wants us to focus on is our physical reserve. This multifaceted area may be the most difficult to maintain for some, but it is the most practical. Everyone knows the keys to physical health are a healthy diet and exercise. The ideal diet to follow is low in saturated fat, low in salt, low in sugar, high in diversity, and high in fruit and vegetables, which are high in fiber. Exercise is also crucial in increasing our resilience, but too many assume they are active because they like to go for a walk on a nice day. However, Dr. Friedland points out that there might not be a nice day for another week or two. Exercise should be something we do at least every other day, not once or twice a week.
Finally, there is the social reserve. No one is an island! We all need people and scientific studies have proven that. Those that join a club, participate in a group, or simply have regular social contact have been shown to lead happier and healthier lives than those that don’t. I don’t know about you, but I’m so excited to get my hands on this book and read all of the insights Dr. Friedland has to offer.