Body & Soul with Gail Harris

Optimal Aging: Slowing Down the Clock
Help YourSelf

Is the graying of your gray matter inevitable? Not so! Recent work in the area of neurogenesis suggests that new cells can continue to be generated in the brain, long after what was once believed possible. At the National Institute on Aging, research conducted with rodents and non-human primates has shown that exercise and enriching the environment of both old and young animals stimulated growth in the neural stem cells. Although still highly controversial, the study may someday offer promise in the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

How can we enrich our environment as we age? Suggestions include:

Add new stimulus, textures and activities to your daily routine. Take a different route to work or study a foreign language. Participating in any challenging or new activity that stimulates your intellect will help your brain stay young.

Perform mental exercises, like writing with your non-dominant hand and playing memory games.

Keep your body fit.

Consume anti-oxidants -- preferably from your food, rather than dietary supplements.

A study from the National Institutes of Health also found that high stress levels inhibit the development of new brain cells. One more reason to keep body and soul together.

Body & Soul is currently airing Monday-Friday at 7:00pm and 8:30pm on PBS YOU.

Program Description
A New Way of Seeing
Modern Aging
The Ageless Woman
Help YourSelf
Tell Me More

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