Aug 13, 2012

Meaningful Experiences

"Someone who is focused on having meaningful experiences has about 30% less cognitive decline over 10 years.  Positive behaviors promote cognitive health as we age." Patricia Boyle, PhD, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago

According to research, most of us will eventually develop plaques and tangles in our brains (symptoms of dementia), but this research says we can counteract the effects of those plaques and tangles by living a life with purpose.  So, what constitutes living a life with purpose?  Perhaps it is different for each of us, but it would certainly entail cultivating rewarding relationships and experiences, living a life that benefits not just ourselves but also others, continuing to learn and be stimulated, fun and relaxation, some meaningful spiritual practices, and a focus on overall health.   What does living a life with purpose mean to you?  This research suggests it is important for us to know what purpose means to us, and to live our lives in line with that purpose.  Our brains are counting on it. 

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