ON KEEPING YOUR MIND ACTIVE
“Many people do not reach the pinnacle of
knowledge and intellectual skills until relatively late in life. The minds of
people who lead intellectually stimulating lives can even continue to grow and
mature well into late adulthood and old age.” (“Age-Proof Your Mind,” p. 13)
“Remember how you were told not to drink too much alcohol in college because
you’d kill too many brain cells that don’t grow back? Well, that’s not entirely
true. Neurologists are now finding that the brain can actually generate new
cells even into older age, though not at such a great rate that you can maintain
a constant number.” (“Age Smart,” p. 73)
“If you don’t have a bowel movement for several days, you’re not only
constipated, you’re filled with wastes and toxins that can damage your health.
The same thing happens with our minds. Negative thoughts, feelings, and images
can linger and become `toxic,' affecting our thought patterns and behaviors
subconsciously. To quell this ‘mental constipation,’ write in a journal at the
end of the day to unload all the negativity you have experienced … For the
ultimate elimination, rip out the journal pages and burn them. You will feel
lighter and clearer in your being.” (“Secrets of Longevity,” p. 281)
ON BEING SOCIAL
“Researchers have discovered that selfless, altruistic
service not only promotes love, peace and understanding bur also produces
natural killer cells that protect you from infection.” (“Secrets of Longevity,”
p. 269)
“Treasure your friends. Respect your wife or husband. He or she might drive
you nuts from time to time, but you are better off with them than without them.”
(“Age Smart,” p. 128)
“Coupling is not the social solution to quality longevity for everyone. There
are advantages to being single and able to make decisions based on one’s own
needs and desires, without having to compromise to suit another person’s whims.
But the need for social connectedness remains.” (“The Longevity Bible,” p. 84)
“Practice kindness by looking for opportunities to make someone feel happy:
sweep the sidewalk in front of your neighbor’s house, give up your seat on a bus
to an elderly person, bring food to the homeless. Once you begin, you will find
many pathways to universal love.” (“Secrets of Longevity,” p. 267)
