Handwriting is the Ultimate Brain Hack

Pedaling Into our Prime With Power and Poise

May 30, 2024

Hello there fellow Ageless!

Welcome to this week’s edition of our newsletter, arriving just in time to celebrate National E-Bike Day! Inside, you’ll find a spirited feature on e-biking. Discover insights into the power of handwriting, the myths surrounding sell-by dates, and the value of mindful travel. As always, we highlight the unsung achievements of women in our demographic, reminding us of the vital roles women play in society. Dive into stories that inspire, challenge, and celebrate the art of aging gracefully.

🏋️‍♂️ Vibrant Living: Empowering Your Health and Wellness

Baby We Were Born To… Ride: Imagine zipping through a sun-dappled park, the breeze ruffling through your hair, and a wide, unstoppable smile plastered across your face. This isn't just a leisurely daydream; it's your new reality on an e-bike. As we embark on new adventures like e-biking, we enrich our days while fostering health and connectivity. E-bikes, with their clever electric pedal assist, make cycling accessible regardless of physical fitness levels. This feature overcomes challenging terrains with ease, allowing for longer rides without the taxing exertion. They're a particularly beneficial godsend, for those managing joint health or mobility concerns, proving to be a low-impact exercise that maintains flexibility and reduces pain without exacerbating joint issues.

Surprisingly, riding an e-bike might seem less strenuous, but a recent study has shown that e-bikers actually engage in more exercise than traditional cyclists, riding longer and more frequently. The health benefits extend well beyond joint relief, as cycling (traditional as well as e-biking) is crucial for maintaining muscle strength and cardiovascular health. It counters the natural decline in muscle mass, enhances balance, reduces fall risks, and improves overall mobility. And people who bike are less likely to develop knee pain and arthritis. Additionally, moderate-intensity cycling brings about better heart rate, lung function, and circulation—crucial for preventing heart disease and managing diabetes and critical in extending longevity. Cycling also improves cognitive functions and extends beyond physical health by boosting your mental health. E-bikes decrease your stress, boosting your mood, providing an opportunity to connect with friends, supercharging your self esteem and giving you an opportunity to exercise mindfulness.

Choosing the right e-bike involves not only understanding its features but also finding a model that fits your specific needs. Local bike shops and online resources are invaluable for exploring reviews and buying guides that help you find the perfect model. For those concerned about balance or intimidated by the idea of two wheels, e-bike tricycles offer a stable alternative. These sturdy, three-wheeled e-bikes ensure comfort and safety for every rider. Look for e-bikes with features that cater to specific needs, like low step-through frames for easy access, comfortable cushioned seats, and robust motors for longer journeys without frequent recharges.

In embracing e-bikes, we're not settling for an easier option because we feel too old for traditional bikes. Instead, we're choosing a smart, adaptive solution that allows us to continue enjoying the activities and passions we love despite physical transitions that come with age. This choice isn't a concession; it's an empowered decision to extend our cycling adventures. Let's pedal forward, not just with ease, but with renewed enthusiasm for all the paths yet to explore. Grab your helmet and join the e-bike revolution. The only thing you have to lose is a stationary lifestyle!

If you are ready to start e-biking, here are a few things to consider before investing in your new bike. Want some suggestions for the best e-bikes for women over 50? Look here, here, and here.

​​💰 Wealth Wisdom: Securing Your Financial Future

Unlock Savings by Reducing Waste: As we explore the realms of motherhood, friendships, and feasts that fill our kitchens, we face an unsettling truth. American homes, including ours, discard nearly 60 million tons of food annually—about a thousand apples per person every year. 43% of that waste in the United States comes from households. This isn't merely an environmental issue; it's a drain on our wallets. Misunderstood "Sell by," "Use by," and "Best before" dates often lead to the unnecessary disposal of perfectly good food, squandering money that could instead be spent to enhance our lives with vacations, gifts, or spa days.

It’s important to remember that sell by dates are not mandated by federal law except for infant formula. This is a voluntary decision by the manufacturer. And, being completely transparent, we must question the role of the manufacturer’s self interest. Who wouldn’t want their consumer to buy more, sooner rather than later? There are Food Safety and Inspection Service requirements for labeling of certain foods and that such labeling be done in a truthful and non-misleading manner. But there are so many different labels, “Best if Used by,” “Sell-by,” “Freeze by,” “Expire on,” …it’s a lot. Amid all these words, how do we know if something is really safe to eat? On a broader level, labeling needs to be standardized. But presently consumers need to be educated. Start by remembering that "Best by" hints at optimal quality, not safety, and "Use by" is a suggestion, not a command. Additionally, make sure your refrigerators and freezers are at the proper temperature to keep food fresh. Trusting our senses (a sniff here, a taste there) can prevent premature food farewells. Planning our meals and embracing those not-so-perfect fruits and veggies can also stretch our food further and fatten our wallets.

As our focus on sustainability continues to grow, businesses are turning their attention towards food waste based on labels. For example, Too Good To Go, a Danish company, has developed an App that connects consumers with sellers to purchase food at a discounted rate. Thankfully, several proactive states are planting seeds of change. States are restricting the amount of food waste that goes to landfills. For instance, Vermont has entirely outlawed food scrap waste, leading to a 40% increase in food donations—what a way to feed more and waste less! Equally promising is the concept of smart food packaging which would indicate if the contents have been contaminated. This would render current labeling obsolete. Although smart food packaging isn’t widely available yet, its development signals a growing interest in aligning future food demands with safety and sustainability.

Let's embrace each of our gatherings as an opportunity to enrich our lives with wisdom and savor every flavor, all while minimizing waste and maximizing joy. Reducing food waste not only conserves resources but also saves money. These funds can be redirected toward more meaningful experiences instead of disappearing into the trash. Embracing this practical approach does more than preserve our culinary heritage; it bolsters our commitment to sustainable living, enhancing both our lives and our meals.

🧠 Lifelong Learning And Brain Boosts

The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard: As it turns out, there was real merit to the endless handwriting drills that we endured during our school days. Today, as extensive screen time becomes the norm for younger generations, the benefit of handwriting is becoming clearer. More than a nostalgic exercise, it's a powerful tool for enhancing mental acuity and emotional health.

Studies have highlighted that, compared to typing, writing by hand significantly boosts brain function and memory retention. This process involves elaborate brain connectivity patterns that are crucial for encoding new information and facilitating learning. Handwriting engages a complex network of brain regions related to motor skills, memory, and language, helping to slow cognitive aging and keep our minds sharp. Additionally, recent research points out that the tactile process of handwriting not only demands more fine-tuned coordination between motor and visual systems, but also engages the brain in deeper ways that support learning. This further illustrates its superior cognitive benefits.

Further reinforcing the benefits of handwriting, the act of writing by hand, with its precise movements and sensory feedback, enhances brain connectivity in ways typing simply cannot. The tactile experience of forming letters can be likened to a meditative practice, promoting mindfulness and reducing stress. This meditative quality helps focus the mind and offers a calming break from the digital overload, proving particularly beneficial for us as we embrace the vibrant joy of aging with intention and vitality.

To make handwriting a beneficial part of your daily routine, consider adopting some simple practices: Start your day with morning pages to clear your mind, maintain a gratitude journal to reflect on daily blessings, create to-do lists on paper to organize and satisfy your tasks, send handwritten letters to connect deeply with loved ones, or dive into creative writing like poetry or short stories in a beautiful notebook. These activities not only enhance cognitive and emotional well-being, but also reconnect us to a time-honored skill that enriches our lives in a profoundly personal way. In our fast-paced digital world, the timeless art of handwriting holds profound value. By making this practice a staple in our daily routines, we enhance our mental acuity and reaffirm our connection to a skill that has stood the test of time, proving that the best way forward is often to retain what has worked in the past.

Embrace New Horizons Mindfully: Mindful travel is a transformative approach to exploring the world, especially suited to women over 50 who seek more meaningful and enriching travel experiences. It emphasizes presence and engagement with the environment and culture, moving beyond traditional sightseeing to form deeper connections with the places and people encountered. This form of travel can significantly enhance mental and emotional well-being by reducing stress, increasing a sense of gratitude, and fostering deeper interpersonal connections. While mindful travel is a form of wellness and could involve a holiday retreat of meditation, it goes beyond that. It is the intersection of wellness as a desired state of being and mindful travel as the way to achieve it. It can be all about food or the most challenging of adventures as long as it is an authentic experience that allows personal immersion in the destination culture. Not only does it promote personal growth, but it has a positive effect on the environment and local communities.

When planning a mindful travel experience, start by setting a clear intention that aligns with what you hope to achieve during your time away, whether it's tranquility, self-discovery, or cultural engagement. Choose destinations that support these goals, such as places known for their calm and spiritual environment, and select accommodations that cater to like-minded travelers and interests. It's important to plan with environmental and cultural respect in mind, opting for eco-friendly travel options and engaging respectfully with local communities to ensure your visit contributes positively and sustainably. Curate your media consumption to match your destination, enhancing your travel experience, and manage your communications thoughtfully, to maintain focus and enjoyment during your journey.

For those considering mindful travel, there are both extravagant and budget-friendly options. Destinations like Kyoto, Japan, or Bali, Indonesia offer lush, immersive experiences for those seeking luxury and foreign cultural richness. For more economical or local options, consider Sedona, Arizona, with its red rock landscapes and wellness retreats, or the peaceful coastal towns of Maine, which offer tranquility without compromising the depth of experience. Travelers can design their own journeys or use services from specialized organizations like Intrepid Travel and Road Scholar which cater to older adults, offering tours that emphasize cultural immersion and learning. Alternatively, consider planning with these mindful travel companies that are all led by women, offering structured yet flexible travel plans that respect the unique needs and pace preferred by the travelers, ensuring a manageable and deeply rewarding journey.

In essence, mindful travel is about deliberate immersion that aligns with your personal goals. Whether seeking tranquility, self-discovery, or deep cultural connection, it offers more than just a change of scenery—it's a profound engagement with the world around you, benefiting the traveler as well as the destination. By selecting destinations that resonate with your intentions and fully embracing the local culture, each journey offers more than just a visit, it promises a transformation. It's through this immersive experience that mindful travel becomes a vital part of personal growth and a meaningful chapter in your life story.

🔗 The Extras - Fun Stuff We Had to Share

🌿 Sage Reflections

“Behind every successful man there is a strong woman.”

This adage holds special significance for those of us who have spent decades nurturing, supporting, and often guiding the successes of others. It underscores the invaluable contributions that women have made behind the scenes, often without recognition. As we celebrate the wisdom and strength of women over 50, it's important to highlight the profound impact they continue to have, both in their personal lives and beyond.

An excellent illustration of this is found in the lives of the women behind the Rolling Stones. These women, including Anita Pallenberg, Bianca Jagger, and Jerry Hall, played crucial roles in shaping the band's image and success. Pallenberg, for example, was more than just Keith Richards' partner; she was a muse and a force of nature who significantly influenced the band's style and music during their most creative years. Bianca Jagger transformed her public image into a powerful platform for women's rights and environmental causes, proving that the influence of these women extended far beyond their relationships with the rock stars.

This story, however, is not unique to the Rolling Stones. Consider Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who credited her husband, Marty Ginsburg, for his support, yet she herself was a powerhouse, breaking barriers in law and justice. Similarly, Eleanor Roosevelt's support of Franklin D. Roosevelt is well-documented, but her own achievements in human rights advocacy and her role as a UN delegate showcase her independent strength. These women, like many others, exemplify the adage that our strength, power, and resilience often surpass our visibility. Even when we don't receive the recognition we deserve, women are often the ones getting the job done.

These stories are not just about looking back; they are about recognizing and harnessing our own power and influence. Let’s celebrate the strong woman behind countless success stories and continue to inspire each other. As women over 50 become some of the fastest growing entrepreneurs in the U.S., their contributions underline our collective strength and innovation. Whether you're starting a new business, mentoring others, or exploring new hobbies, your contributions are invaluable. The journey doesn't end at 50; it's just beginning. Embrace your strength, share your stories, and continue to disrupt the outdated narratives of aging. Our wisdom and experience are not just supportive—they are leading the way.

Want to learn about other forgotten strong women behind successful men? Read this.

Remember, Ageless Ascent is more than a newsletter; it's a community, a movement, a way of life. We're here to explore, learn, and grow together. So, what are you looking forward to the most? Let us know by replying to this email. Your feedback is the compass that guides our adventure.

Till next time,

The Ageless Team

P.S. Stay curious, stay engaged, and most importantly, stay you. The best is yet to come. 🌟