Have you ever wondered why some senior citizens, just don’t seem to fit the definition of an “older” person? I’ll bet you know someone like that. Maybe you are that person. You know the type: they’re active, engaged, friendly, and seem, in so many ways, to be literally twenty or more years younger than they are.
My aunt Rachel is a perfect example. My wife, Peggy, and I stopped by to visit her recently and once again upon leaving, as we always do, simply looked at each other and remarked “incredible!” You see, my aunt lives alone. She doesn’t have a housekeeper but her home is always immaculately clean and picture-perfectly appointed—neat as a pin. Before we arrived, she had baked a batch of my favorite focaccia bread and had set a table for a “light” Italian lunch, complete with cold-cuts and cheese, fresh brewed coffee, and a wonderful plate of her homemade biscotti.
We had a wonderful visit as we discussed everything from family to national politics and the economy. Considering my aunt’s baking skills, she doesn’t fit the stereotypical profile that you might expect of a “senior” Italian woman. She’s trim and fit, due largely to the fact that she is so active; she plays bocce ball and does line dancing every week. Rachel is socially active, meeting regularly for coffee with a group of women friends. She has great sense of humor and is just plain fun to be around. Not long ago she even purchased a new VW Beetle that she tools around in. How’s that for attitude? The term “senior citizen” just doesn’t come to mind with aunt Rachel, although technically speaking, she is 93. Yes, you read that right—ninety-three!
I’ve known a number of people like my aunt over the years and it’s often a topic of conversation whenever people get together. What’s their 
secret? “You’re only as old or as young as you believe,” some say. Does some mysterious “fountain of youth” exist that some people have discovered that’s being kept secret?
The truth is, scientists have discovered that there is, in fact, a key to all of this, and I am surprised that more people aren’t aware of it. While attitude certainly plays a major role, it is how you use your brain that is central in keeping yourself young. For many years scientists believed that the human brain grew and developed only up to a certain age, but that belief has been proven wrong. Scientist now know that the human brain has a malleable, changeable, “plastic” quality called neuroplasticity. They now know that the human brain can grow and continue to change and improve throughout one’s entire life span—well into our so-called “senior years.”
One “secret,” that many people like my aunt learned long ago, is effort. One must purposely work at it, remaining active and engaged, physically, mentally, and socially. The other vital element in keeping the brain young and sharp is to always be trying to learn something new, like a language, although scientists have determined that the greatest benefit of all comes from learning something new that requires both mental and physical skill, like a dance routine, or playing a musical instrument like the piano or guitar.
So, there you have it—and once again, it is all about choice, after all. The fountain of youth is all around you, just ready for you to dive in. And what is the choice? Here’s a clue: sitting in your recliner with your eyes glued to the tube won’t cut it. Get together with friends and have a discussion, then hit Youtube and learn how to play the banjo.
You’re only as young or old as you change—or don’t change—your brain.
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