Over the years ‘change’ comes to all of us. How we cope with the negative changes and rejoice in the positive changes depends on the individual, and the set of circumstances.

Unfortunately, many of us dwell on the negative changes; those changes that either do not enhance our lifestyle, or, those changes that totally impact our lives whether it be financial, marital or medical, all of which can set us back a few years. It can be devastating and it takes a strong will and a great determination to overcome what has been dealt us.

As we grow older — and I am talking about those of us oldies who are sitting in the waiting room waiting for God to call us — we can reflect on the many changes that took place in our lives over the years; how we coped or, how we rejoiced. In reflection many of these changes that seemed to be difficult to cope with at that time were actually doors opened to us.

Now that we are in our golden years, we still experience changes. Growing older is a challenge as many of you oldsters can attest to. Our minds are not as active. Our bodies decline. Many doctors work with us to keep us upright. How we cope and how we respond to our bodily needs during our years of aging is vital to our own well-being.

Maintaining good eating habits is a challenge. Daily physical exercise is a must for strengthening the bones and muscles, and making sure the heart stays healthy, and even more lovable. It is good for us to be involved in outside activities, for example, volunteer work in our community and/or in our church. Socialize with friends and neighbors in games or cards. Board games and puzzles should be a good stimulant for the brain. Indeed, our minds have slowed down. We don’t remember as well as we did in our younger years. Unsuspectingly, we can experience loose connections or dropped circuits. Therefore, it is vital and extremely necessary to exercise our minds as well as our bodies. Currently, I am in the process of trying to upgrade my memory level.

I love to walk early in the morning. It is the most peaceful and serene time of the day. However, my walking has been curtailed temporarily, and at the present time I am on a limited program using an exercise bike. Boring! It is absolutely boring! I just sit there and pedal, pedal, pedal. Furthermore, there is nothing peaceful or serene inside of my garage. So, I verbally asked myself, “what can I do to exercise my mind while I’m pedaling this dang bike?” Well, my mind slowly shifted into second gear and suddenly another door was opened.

“Why not try memorizing something?” was the answer that filled my mind. Sure, why not? I can still rattle off memory work that we had to do in parochial school. It may not be as easy now, but I had nothing else to do while I was pedaling. So, the decision was made to memorize while I pedaled.

I was formerly employed with a national news media conducting extensive research in states throughout the U.S., a job I dearly loved. I also served as an elected County Clerk and Election Commissioner during my working years. Since I still maintain an interest in the political field, especially elections, I chose to try to memorize the current number of Electoral Votes in each State.

The subject material is not very useful, but I knew my small shrinking brain needed to be exercised and memorizing would give me something to do while I pedaled. I started with the states that had the largest number of electoral votes and worked on down. Within several days of repetitive memorizing, adding additional states each day, I was amazed at what my mind could retain. I now have them all memorized and have gone on to other memory work, making sure I keep repeating what I have learned. Can you believe that every morning I now look forward to pedaling on my ‘nice’ bike? With this renewed interest and positive attitude, even my organized garage is smiling. The important thing for us older kids is to try to keep our mind active and positive.

Yes admittedly, the first subject material I chose to memorize was shallow. The Electoral College Votes will change after the next census. On the bright and optimistic side, I could set a goal to memorize the Electoral Votes for each State every ten years.

By Evelyn Meyer
Age 85

Category: Aging Mind · Mind