Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise in staying healthy. Lifelong learning and social interactions are the 2 basic components of Mental Fitness.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 1 day
Here's How:
- Read a newspaper every day and stay keep abreast of current events.
- Take a class or finish a degree. Many colleges offer discounted or tuition-free classes to seniors.
- Volunteer at a local hospital, the zoo, or any place that interests you.
- Mentor a child with learning problems at your local school.
- Exercise frequently. Many gyms have classes for seniors.
- Participate in an Elder Hostel program. These residential programs are held on many university campuses and are very educational.
- Learn a new craft or skill.
- Learn a foreign language.
- Get a job. There are many full and part-time opportunities available for seniors.
- Join a church or other house of worship of your choice.
- Find an on-line pen pal and start a correspondence.
- Seek professional help if you feel depressed, lethargic or hopeless.
- Plan a trip to a place you have always wanted to go.
Tips:
- Keep busy, but don't overdo it.
- Your local newspaper is a wonderful source of information on volunteer opportunities.
- Maintain close ties with family and friends. Look for opportunities to make new friends, both young and old, who share your interests.
