As the saying goes, the more you use your brain, the sharper it becomes, and the more you polish a mirror, the brighter it becomes. It is widely known that life depends on movement, and the flexibility of the brain also depends on its use. However, this is often overlooked by some elderly people. Being diligent in using the brain, constantly engaging in mental activities, not only can slow down the aging of brain cells, but also help elderly people maintain good thinking abilities. This is not only a health measure for longevity, but also an important method for developing elderly intelligence. On the contrary, if one is not diligent in using the brain, it can accelerate dullness, confusion, and even make one more susceptible to dementia. Research has shown that the speed at which a person reacts to external stimuli determines the length of their lifespan. In terms of the possibility of premature death, those with slower reactions are more than twice as likely to die early compared to those with faster reactions. The speed at which one reacts to external stimuli depends on the sensitivity of the brain, which is closely related to how much the brain is used in daily life. People who use their brains frequently have faster reaction speeds to external stimuli compared to those who use their brains less. The agility of the brain is not achieved overnight, but rather the result of using the brain diligently over the years. Therefore, maintaining the agility of the brain is crucial for extending lifespan and ensuring quality of life.
Speaking of reading books and newspapers, it is beneficial for brain health and preventing aging. It can slow down the aging of the "spiritual residence" - the brain. As the famous poet Lu You of the Song Dynasty said, "Reading gives pleasure and makes one forget about aging." He loved reading and never parted with books throughout his life, which contributed to his longevity of 85 years. Studies have also found that elderly people who do not read books or engage in mental activities regularly are 2.6 times more likely to develop dementia compared to those who read books and engage in mental activities frequently.
In real life, it is not difficult to see that most elderly people who are diligent in reading books and using their brains tend to live longer. For example, the modern famous writer Ye Shengtao lived to be 94 years old, Ba Jin lived to be 101 years old, and Bing Xin lived to be 99 years old...
After retirement, elderly people have less contact with society, and some even lose interest in life. The brain functions such as sensation and memory decline to varying degrees, which is an undeniable fact. However, if elderly people maintain curiosity about new things, accept a large amount of information, think about problems, read books and newspapers frequently, and exercise the brain regularly, then their brain decline will be reduced. Many elderly people insist on reading books, painting, calligraphy, etc. in order to delay brain decline and promote mental activities.
In 2005, a study by scientists also pointed out the secret to delaying brain aging and maintaining brain agility: 1) Regular aerobic exercise to ensure sufficient oxygen supply to the brain; 2) Engaging in a job that can stimulate vitality; 3) Receiving good education and maintaining a desire for continuous learning; 4) Not putting too much pressure on oneself and living a relaxed life; 5) Having good social relationships and frequently being accompanied by friends; 6) Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fish, fruits, and vegetables; 7) Always considering oneself young.
Therefore, it is crucial for elderly people to keep their minds sharp. As the saying goes, old trees fear emptiness, and elderly people fear lethargy. Elderly people should be diligent in learning and using their brains, persevere, and they will definitely make their minds more agile, make their old age more colorful, and prolong their lives.
