As the week winds down, we wind down with some tidbits for your information, education, health, and enjoyment.
Quote of the Week: “May you never forget what is worth remembering, nor ever remember what is best forgotten†Irish Blessing
Humor Break:
Bev: Al, why of all nights are you so late?
Al: I am sorry hon, I put this string on my finger so I would remember what you told me and I didn’t want to come home without it.
Bev: Al, the string was to remind you to come home early.
Stat of the Week: Ever walk into a room and can’t remember what you wanted? Ever go to the grocery store and know you are forgetting something? Then you come out with your bags and can’t remember where you parked your car. Ever have a name or a song on the tip of your tongue? Early studies of cognitive aging blamed this phenomenon on myelination, the fatty insulation around neurons. It starts disappearing in our late 20s. I wish I had remembered that. I wouldn’t be so concerned when I can’t remember where I left my keys. But wait! Newer research is claiming it may be the loss of “dendritic spinesâ€, the small thin ones if you want to be picky. Gadzooks, how’s a guy to remember all this stuff? Well here is the good news: All that forgetfulness stuff – only about 20% is caused by aging, at least according to Timothy Salthouse in his 2010 book Major Issues in Cognitive Aging (a heavy-duty read).
Action Tip: There is lots of debate about what is going on in the brain. But most all experts agree with the findings of the University of Illinois – walking improves memory and reasoning. So if you really want to stop forgetting so many little things – take a hike! Or at least a long walk. Regularly. Now don’t forget!
Self-Development Corner: I continue to promote Coursera, the free online university. Today I am feeling whimsical, so I dedicate this recommendation to my best friend Ken who has near the top of his bucket list a trip to Roswell, New Mexico. For those of you not in the know, Roswell is famous/infamous for a mysterious Alien sighting/crash many years ago. So Ken, in preparation for your trip I recommend you take Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life. This 5-week course is presented by the University of Edinburgh and begins in January.
Bill Bradley
Bill Bradley (mostly) retired after 35 years in organizational consulting, training and management development. During those years he worked internally with seven organizations and trained and consulted externally with more than 90 large and small businesses, government agencies, hospitals and schools.
Love this, Bill. Here is my question: If my forgetfulness in full glorious bloom is only 20% due to age, what is causing the rest of it? I need an answer and hope I can remember it when you give it to me. Ken, have a great trip whenever you go.