Knowledge is Food For Thought

Hello there fellow Ageless!

On this day in 1876, Colorado became the 38th state to join the Union. Just as the Centennial State opened new horizons, we're exploring fresh frontiers in wellness and lifestyle this week. Prepare for an enlightening expedition into the realm of cognitive health assessments, a guide to navigating the intriguing landscape of "vibecessions," an unexpected mental workout involving paddles and a tiny sphere, and the hidden treasures of a well-crafted home-based vacation. This week's edition promises to challenge your assumptions and potentially transform your approach to brain health, social dynamics, and leisure time. Let's embark on this illuminating journey that might just revolutionize your August and reshape your strategy for long-term vitality!

🏋️‍♂️ Vibrant Living: Empowering Your Health and Wellness

Preserve Your Sanity by Staying Informed: Ever forgotten a neighbor’s name or your casserole’s secret ingredient? We all have those moments, but should we worry? The recent buzz about President Biden’s refusal to undergo mental screening highlights a crucial point: cognitive assessments are crucial for everyone.

Cognitive assessments, though crucial, aren't routine in checkups. (They’re available yet grossly underused through Medicare.) These tests evaluate memory and problem-solving skills. Unfortunately, stigma around cognitive decline prevents discussions, delaying diagnosis and treatment for conditions like Alzheimer's, and potentially missing other physical problems. Signs that you might need an assessment include forgetting recent events, struggling with daily tasks, getting lost in familiar places, and having trouble following conversations. (More reasons here for evaluation.)

I recently discussed this with my 30-something son, who bluntly stated cognitive abilities decline with age (ironically this starts in your 30’s). He omitted the word "can" - a crucial distinction. His remark, not entirely accurate and a bit ageist, does highlight a critical point: we must fiercely protect our minds. I intend to keep my brain active, starting this newsletter (thanks to his prodding) and discussing assessments with my doctor. Regular screenings provide peace of mind and early intervention if needed. Our rich life experiences are our superpowers—let's do everything we can to preserve them. (Learn more here.)

💰 Wealth Wisdom: Securing Your Financial Future

When Your Mood Defies Markets: Feeling down while the economy's looking up? Welcome to the "vibecession!" It's that weird disconnect between rosy economic stats and your not-so-rosy mood. Don't worry, despite strong indicators of economic health, you're not alone in your worries. This collective unease has real consequences—when we all feel gloomy, we tend to spend less, potentially slowing the economy. Remember, your individual outlook matters more than you think.

So why the doom and gloom? Blame our 24/7 news cycle. We're bombarded with economic woes, making it easy to overlook the positive. Our brains fixate on the negative (hello, salience bias). The sting of unexpected healthcare costs hurts more than a small 401(k) bump feels good. Economists point to positive trends, but your grocery bills tell a different story. Plus, if you've recently retired, been downsized, or lost a spouse who was the primary earner, those personal setbacks can overshadow any positive economic news. It's like trying to appreciate a beautiful sunset when you've just stubbed your toe—the pain drowns out the beauty.

Ready to flip the script? Start by mixing up your news diet and seeking out some positive economic stories to balance the doom-scrolling. Additionally, try and limit your negative news consumption by engaging in these activities instead. Celebrate the small financial wins—whether it's finding a great deal on your meds or finally mastering online banking. Now's the perfect time to beef up that emergency fund (how much and why) or explore a flexible side gig that fits your lifestyle (check out this and this). Don't forget the power of your social circle—and yes, that old familiar cure-all, gratitude (101 ways to do that with finances), can work wonders here too (eye roll, but it's true!) Appreciating what you have might be the secret to weathering this economic mood swing. Remember, this funk is temporary, but the resilience is yours to keep. So chin up, savvy saver—you've got this!

🧠 Lifelong Learning And Brain Boosts

The Ultimate Brain Sport: Can a plastic ball and paddle be your secret weapon against cognitive decline? It's not just wishful thinking—ping pong is a brain-boosting powerhouse demanding quick thinking, strategy, and precise coordination. Regular play sharpens focus, reflexes, and mental agility—giving your brain a full workout while you're having fun.

Why is ping pong such an effective mental stimulant? It's like a spa day for your mind! Regular play engages your brain's strategy center, giving your prefrontal cortex a planning and decision-making facial and your motor skills a coordination massage. Memory struggles? Your hippocampus hits the mental treadmill, tracking everyone’s move. Research shows that table tennis improved brain function in older adults more significantly than other physical activities. And long-term players show “better brain wiring”—imagine your neural pathways getting a makeover! Studies hint that consistent play might keep your mind vibrant, potentially slowing cognitive decline. It even stimulates BDNF production, a revitalizing serum for your neurons! And talk about multitasking—you'll be switching between tasks as smoothly as you transition from serve to return. The more you play, the more your brain could change for the better!

Ping pong offers a joyful, social, and effective way to boost brain health. While many racket sports require a court and good knees, ping pong shines in its accessibility. It's relatively easy, requires very little athletic prowess, and can be played in your own home. Beyond cognitive perks, it fosters social connections, easing isolation and boosting mood. Playing with friends or family brings laughter and joy. So why not give it a try? By picking up a paddle, you could be serving up some serious brain power while having a blast. Get started here.

🔥Lifestyle Trends: Beauty, Fashion, and Travel

The Perfect Antidote to FOMO: While exotic getaways captivate our imaginations, staycations are revolutionizing how we relax. These escapes let us rediscover joys close to home, offering a blend of comfort, convenience, and discovery that traditional vacations often can't match. Studies show most staycationers plan to repeat the experience. They save money, eliminate travel time, and provide home comforts while still feeling "away." Plus, they're flexible and eco-friendly. For women over 50, they can strengthen relationships and create cherished memories.

Plan your perfect staycation by setting clear intentions. Choose dates, set a budget, and create a loose schedule that balances structure with spontaneity. Shift your perspective—approach this as a real vacation, just closer to home. Treat yourself to little luxuries and transform your space into a retreat destination. Then, become a tourist in your own town, exploring somewhere new daily. The goal is to see your surroundings with fresh eyes.

For activities, consider a movie marathon featuring films set in dream locations (best travel movies). Try cooking new recipes from different cultures (cultural cooking classes), bringing the world to your kitchen. Start that garden (inspiration here), or take virtual museum tours here. Have an at-home spa day or learn a new craft. Mix relaxing and active activities – try a new fitness class, nature walks, or local bike trails. Host a dinner party or game night. Choose exciting refreshing experiences. A staycation isn't settling for less – it's embracing your surroundings and investing in well-being. So when you see those tropical beach photos on social media, smile knowing your rejuvenating escape awaits just beyond your front door. Get started here.

🔗 The Extras - Fun Stuff We Had to Share

• Not only do we have to worry about our eggs being contaminated with bird flu—the pans we cooked them in may be equally problematic because of Teflon flu. Are you kidding me?

• Ever tried beets? Find out why you should eat this super healthy food.

• When is a mosquito bite something to worry about?

• If you love Chipotle’s guacamole, you have to try their first beauty product, Lipotle.

• Research shows the Shingrix vaccine for shingles may reduce your risk of developing dementia.

• Check out this real life Barbie house which is for sale on Zillow.

• If you want to improve the visible signs of aging on your face, use this.

• Menopause can wreak havoc on your dental health. Who knew?

• If you are outside this summer and barbecuing steaks and burgers, you should be aware of the Lone Star tick and the trouble it can cause you.

• Dark chocolate may have some questionable ingredients.

• Brainspotting may help reduce trauma.

🌿 Sage Reflections

“ A beautiful face will age and a perfect body will change, but a beautiful soul will always be a beautiful soul.”

-Author Unknown

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. 🌟