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Having a Senior Moment

"I'm having a senior moment?" We've all heard it, and many of us have said it. It's that moment when our thoughts slip away – the moment when we speak up to say something important but suddenly lose track of what we were about to say, or when we walk into a room only to stand there trying to figure out what it was we came into the room to do. We jokingly call it a senior moment because we know that the more senior we get, the more bewildered moments we’re going to have. Fortunately, we can slow and possibly even eliminate these moments of declining cognition.

Some recent studies have shown that physical activity may actually improve brain function in both those with and without cognitive decline. One study published recently included over 2700 women in their 80s. The researchers measured their regular physical activity and performed brain function tests. Greater levels of activity were associated with better brain function and less likelihood of impaired brain function.

Staying active doesn't mean you have to run marathons. The activities you can engage in to maintain a healthy activity level are diverse and endless. Brisk walking, gardening, riding a bike, and even ballroom dancing are examples of activities that provide moderate intensity workouts. Exercising for as little as 10 minutes at a time can bring about tremendous benefits. You may want to consult your physician for recommendations on exercise especially with heart conditions or if you are over 64.

So what's keeping you from staying active? One frequently reported barrier to physical activity can be musculoskeletal pain – commonly referred to as aching bones and joints. Two common causes of this pain we feel as we age are arthritis or muscle spasms. Gradually moving into a routine and then maintaining it consistently will help ease the pain associated with activity. Another big help to get and stay active is to reduce inflammation in joints and muscles with a topical anti-inflammatory cream like Myo-Med along with specific joint nutrition like Joint Plus. Myo-Med cream used twice a day has helped several people stay active despite muscle and joint pain. Furthermore, Myo-Med has been designed to enhance your body’s ability to heal itself. Quicker healing leads to faster return to activity. A quicker return to activity may lead to better brain function over time, and that's something we all can use.

Copyright © 2008 Lisa Hill, M.D., A Myo-Med Info Article. All rights reserved. Permission granted to reprint this article on your website without alteration if you include this copyright statement and leave the hyperlinks live and in place.

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