We’ll be drinking less, exercising more

Now that it is 2011, the year that the oldest of the baby boomers (their motto was never trust anyone over the age of 30) will turn 65, there is increased emphasis on remaining younger, longer.

Both men and women are laying out large sums of money on hair creams, eyelash enhancers, anti-wrinkle serums, Botox injections, weight-loss products, etc., ad infinitum. But brain health, one of the most important attributes of staying young has, until recently, remained in the background.

If this New Year’s you drank more than usual, cutting back on your liquor consumption might be a worthwhile resolution for anyone 60 and older. Newly retired or out-of-work individuals, as well as lonely seniors, are all often inclined to overindulge. Experts note that as people age, changes in absorption and metabolism occur, and they therefore experience less tolerance for alcohol.

While a very limited amount of alcohol may help cognitive function by preventing hardening of the arteries and blood clots, people who already have some cognitive impairment will experience faster decline. Chronic heavy drinking not only increases the risk for memory loss, but can also be a cause of sleep disorders, depression and anxiety.

Additionally, older adults are more likely to be using multiple prescriptions that may interact with alcohol. Be particularly alert to any drinking while using the following, which may interact harmfully with alcohol:

‰Antihistamines, cold remedies

‰Anti-anxiety drugs

‰NSAID pain relievers

‰Anticoagulants

‰Heartburn drugs

‰Drugs for enlarged prostate

‰Statin drugs

The U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse defines moderate drinking as no more than one drink a day for both men and women older than 65 (men younger than 65 are granted an allowance of two). A drink consists of one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1½ ounces of 80-proof spirits.

The second New Year’s promise we all need to make, which will keep not only our bodies but our brains in good working order, is regular exercise. Such activity helps to promote the growth of new brain cells, slows the progression of neurodegenerative disease and boosts circulation, which nourishes brain tissue.

Recent studies show that participants who engage in regular brisk walking had greater volume in four areas of the brain, including a key memory region. There is an apparent link, over time, between physical activity, brain structure and dementia.

Aerobic exercise also boosts the levels of mind-enhancing brain chemicals and may improve our mood for as long as 12 hours after only a 20-minute workout. Talk about a great return on an investment. Of course, you should check with your doctor before embarking on any exercise routine, but with the variety of classes of every type and at every level available at local senior centers and our great new Shoreline “Y” in Branford, there’s no excuse for not becoming a better you in 2011.

Contact Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

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