Daily Movement Rewires Your Brain After 70 - Stay Young Mentally & Physically

I Get Younger Every Year, But My Brain Needed a Wake-Up Call

At 85 years young, I've been fortunate enough to stay active and engaged in my passions – pottery, movement education, and of course, Never Leaving The Playground. But even with all that experience under my belt (or should I say, on the wheel?), I still had to learn a thing or two about how our brains change as we age.

It started when I was preparing for an upcoming ceramics show. My usual routine of 3-4 hours in the studio each day was starting to feel like a slog. I'd get tired easily, and my focus wasn't what it used to be. Now, I know what you're thinking – "Stephen, you're just getting older." But I'm here to tell you that's not exactly true.

The Playground Doesn't Care How Old You Are

As I mentioned before, Never Leave the Playground is more than just a website – it's a way of life. And for me, that means embracing change and staying curious about how our bodies work. So when I started noticing these changes in my own brain and body, I began to dig deeper.

What I found was fascinating (and a bit unsettling). As we age, our brains undergo significant changes that can affect everything from cognitive function to motor control. It turns out that the more sedentary we become, the more our brain cells start to die off – a process known as synaptic pruning. Ouch! But here's the good news: research has shown that regular movement can actually stimulate new neuron growth and even reverse some of these age-related changes.

The Science in a Nutshell

When we exercise or engage in physical activity, it sends signals throughout our brain that help regulate everything from mood to memory. This is because exercise stimulates the release of neurotrophic factors – essentially food for our brain cells. These factors then go on to promote neural plasticity, allowing our brains to adapt and change in response to new experiences.

But here's the thing: this process isn't limited to younger folks. Our brains are capable of incredible adaptability at any age, as long as we're willing to challenge ourselves. And that's exactly what I did – I started incorporating more physical activity into my daily routine, from tai chi and yoga to simply taking more walks around the block.

Just Keep Moving

Now, I'm not saying it was easy. There were days when I felt like quitting (and some where I actually did). But the key is to find activities that bring you joy – whether it's dancing, hiking, or, in my case, throwing clay on the wheel. When we move our bodies, we're not just strengthening our muscles; we're also giving our brains a much-needed workout.

So what can you do TODAY on the playground? Here are some simple steps to get you started:

* Take a 10-minute walk outside – no matter the weather.

* Try some tai chi or yoga poses – even if it's just for a few minutes each day.

* Swap your chair for a standing desk (or at least, stand up and stretch every hour).

* Find an activity that gets you moving – whether it's gardening, playing with the grandkids, or learning a new dance style.

Challenge Both Sides of Your Brain – Every Single Day

Remember: Never Leave the Playground. It doesn't care how old you are. And as I always say, "I get younger every year." Why? Because I'm constantly challenging myself to adapt and change, both physically and mentally.

So what are you waiting for? Come on down to the playground – we've got a whole world of movement and learning waiting for you. Visit neverleavetheplayground.com to join the community and start your journey today!