Fountain of Youth

"We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing." - Ben Franklin. So let's play....

Crossword puzzles, sudoku, board games, read a book, maybe even a little pac man...... because it is brain exercise, use it or loose it. Change up the games to exercise different parts of your brain.
And of course don't forget to exercise your body; work out, take a hike, run, swim, bike, go horseback riding..... just play. Studies show that the older people get, the less likely we are to exercise and the our muscles will deteriorate faster as we age when not used.

Learn to belly dance, or try yoga, skiing, scuba diving, mountain climbing, tai chi; whenever you learn a new physical skill your brain grows. Some researchers believe our brains do not deteriorate because we age, but because we stop learning new physical activities. We use many parts of our brain when we learn, especially physical activities.

Try something new and healthy to eat, explore, let your taste buds learn. Discover new foods like a child, play. An occasional treat is not bad, but remember what we choose to consume is an expression of who we are.

Get a dog, gather with friends, get a massage, play with some kids, go to work, because who really needs me to quote a study to know that companionship is essential for our emotional health? Laughter, friendship, and a great outlook on life probably influences our health more than any other single thing.

Seek out spiritual guidance, through church, through friends, meditate, spend some time alone in nature or writing, or maybe even drawing. In my silent moments I can hear my inner child telling me what to play. In my silent moments God's voice is not drowned out by the world around me.

The young sapling is beautiful with its fresh green growth reaching for the skies; but it is the tree centuries old with termites, squirrels, and the laugh lines from living well that is truly intriguing. A fountain of youth exists within us all, if we choose to look for it.