How I keep mentally active

I was recently asked how I keep mentally active. I can speculate about how, but it’s only my personal non-scientific opinion. The person who asked has a relative who is sharp as a tack at 104. At 92, I have a ways to go but I do have some thoughts.  

I believe in regular fitness and that it should be a normal part of our lives. There’s evidence that we humans were designed to keep moving and it may be that exercises are a continuation of that trait.

For the past 50 years or so I’ve mostly worked for myself and I kept on working up to and past the normal retirement age of 65. It was just another birthday and I kept on doing things. When I turned 90 a couple of years ago my family had a big surprise party for me and it was shortly after that I started to think about actually getting old! In my view I really wasn’t old yet, just getting there! Since then, I’ve continued working, although somewhat less. In addition, I started writing a blog with regular posts!

Me, age 92, running outside. I mostly use an elliptical exrercise machine for my aerobics, but am glad that I can still jog a little outside.

I’m positive about things in general. I’m a 'glass is half full’ sort of person. I have things in my life that I want to do and I wonder sometimes if I’ll ever get to see or do them. I’d like to see the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and other places. I read a lot and I like early U.S. history. I like books about the wars the U.S. has been in and books about Winston Churchill and WWII. I was a child then but I remember a lot about that period. I’m not much of a TV viewer except news.

I’m curious about all sorts of things and when I start something, I like to finish it. I was involved in the oil and gas business for many years. (I don’t think pessimists get very far in that business.) Along the way I happened to come up with the design for a tool that helps get fluid out of certain kinds of difficult oil wells. I’ve been working on it for over 15 years. It really keeps me thinking. I want to see it successfully implemented.

Pete’s oil well tool, Bakersfield CA.

I believe in regular fitness and that it should be a normal part of our lives. There’s evidence that we humans were designed to keep moving and it may be that exercises are a continuation of that trait. Even when I was out in a very remote cattle ranch in South Dakota a few years ago on an oil project I did all my exercises. There was a stationary bike in the ranch house that I used for my aerobics.

Aerobic exercise (cardiorespiratory system) is my top priority and is always included in my exercise routine. Although there is a lot of scientific support for it, I’ll provide this one quotation from Dr. Scott McGinnis, assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, August 26, 2024:

“Many studies have suggested that the parts of the brain that control thinking and memory are larger in volume in people who exercise than in people who don't. One finding is that engaging in a program of regular exercise of moderate intensity over six months or a year is associated with an increase in the volume of selected brain regions. Exercise can also boost memory and thinking indirectly by improving mood and sleep, and by reducing stress and anxiety. Problems in these areas frequently cause or contribute to cognitive impairment. Dr. McGinnis recommends establishing exercise as a habit, almost like taking a prescription medication”

I’m positive about things in general. I’m a 'glass is half full’ sort of person. I'm also curious about lots of things. I still have things in that I hope to do.

Some of what I do, eat, and so on, is now considered a 'best practice’ regimen by experts. I didn’t plan it that way in the beginning. Most of what I do has been based on the least expensive way and the most convenient way to achieve my level of fitness.  That definition of fitness includes aerobics, stretching, balance and strength. My nutrition includes food that is mostly fresh and home cooked, no fast food, or delivery. I’ve been taking several vitamins every day for 60 years that now are considered good antioxidants.

My sole purpose in exercising is to maintain an overall good level of health and overall fitness. I think that has included my brain and mental attitude that was unknowingly included as one of the benefits. I continue with my regular exercises that have now become a habit and one I look forward to!

I am always busy with something. I still work on various business projects, I write this blog, I read widely, I have numerous hobbies, like building model ships, and I carry out the chores and activities of daily living.