There have been major research findings regarding what helps us age well minimizing and slowing down physical and mental deterioration.
Here is an excerpt from one recent research findings sent to me:
"Although people might be living longer, the years they gain often come
with increased risks for mental illness and neurodegenerative disease.
Fortunately, a new study shows meditation could be one way to minimize
those risks."
For the study's findings and other sources, see this link:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150205142951.htm
From many other sources, the consensus seems that the most valuable action one can take for both physical and mental well being includes regular and sustained physical activity, especially regular aerobic activity, as well as mental exercise. I highly recommend this recent extensive review of research findings and recommendations:
http://www.wsj.com/articles/our-amazingly-plastic-brains-1423262095?mod=WSJ_hppMIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsSecond
Here are a few quotes from this article:
"It turns out that our brains, like our bodies in general, are far more
likely to waste away from underuse than to wear down from overuse."
"the foundation for the brain’s distinctive way of healing. If an area is
damaged, new neurons can often take over old tasks. Nor are we just our
neurons. Our memories and experiences are also encoded in the patterns
of electrical energy produced by our brain cells, like a musical score.
As with an orchestra, when one member of the string section is sick, the
show can still go on if a replacement has access to the musical score."
"They found that men who consistently did a few things reduced their risk
for cognitive decline and dementia by a staggering 60%. These
activities included eating a healthy diet (at least three to four
servings of fruits and vegetables a day); maintaining a normal weight,
with a body-mass index of 18 and 25; limiting alcohol to about a glass
of wine a day; and not smoking. But the activity with the biggest impact on risk was walking at least 2
miles a day, biking 10 miles a day or engaging in some other regular,
vigorous physical exercise. All five of these factors have been found in
other studies to promote the general health of two types of cells in
the brain: neurons and glial cells (which interact with and protect
neurons)."
If you are interested, read the full article!
