BRAIN WORK

There are two things one can do to save their brains, other than boring old crossword puzzles, says either the New York Times or AARP Magazine.  I forget which.  It could have been in LA Times Health section  for that matter, but again, I don't remember....

...it would seem I have come upon this information just in the nick of time.

The first is to learn the piano.  Specifically the piano because it is so hard, it requires all the hard won fortitude of the ancient (in this case I refer to all those over the age of fifty) to even remotely succeed at it.

I wonder if learning the piano counts if one took piano lessons when young.  Because I did, and so I know in advance how frustrating the whole enterprise is.  Especially the part about keeping the wrists lifted.  And, you know, learning to read music.  So for me, would it still be creating new brain grooves?

The second is learn a new language.

This directive also begs certain questions:

Does it count if one already knows a second language? 

Is there any one language that will help me save my brain better than another?  Like, would Japanese count for more brain food than French? 

Does learning how to write a new language (see 'learning Japanese') add even more brain food, like eating a third helping of vegetables? 

Would immersing oneself in the foreign culture where the chosen new language is spoken make an even headier advance?

So, okay, I could play a mean 'Moonlight Sonata' once.  And I kind of remember the French I once spoke with a Belgian accent (it's a long story).  Does this mean I can just stick to my crossword puzzles and not worry about losing brain power?  Or certainly keep it at bay?

Or am I avoiding the point that what is being suggested here is that adding new skills to one's life is a good thing.  And that the harder they are the better.

So, what language would I pick?  Where would I put the piano?  How much do pianos cost?  The whole thing makes me tired-- 

Naps are good. The powers that be assure me that naps are very healthy things to do in the aging process.

So, adding the skill of napping WITHOUT GUILT is certainly a possible new brain skill.

Comments

[melly]

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