The Impact of Writing on Aging

Author

Arden Courts of Sarasota

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Arden Courts

Posted on

Apr 01, 2022

Book/Edition

Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties

Share This
Article Submitted By, Arden Courts of Sarasota, for more information, CLICK HERE!

THE SHAPE OF OUR STORIES AND WORDS ARE KEYS TO KEEPING OUR MEMORY.
As a writer, I am fascinated by studies which evaluate writing content and styles and point us toward information we might not know about ourselves. Its like looking into the Magic 8-Ball to predict our future, only the ball is a piece of paper.
I wrote the first draft of this article by hand with a few caveats. In ninth grade, I adopted a calligraphy-like writing style for a history project. My penmanship was altered again as a computer science major in college by using graph paper. Nowadays, anyone reading my writing will notices a mix of looping cursive and boxy print. When writing by hand, I mostly correct my spelling errors. Using a computer, I rarely stop to correct grammar knowing the software will redline it for me to fix later.
What would any of this tell experts about my prospects for developing dementia as I aged?
The Nun Study
At the age of 14, Sister Mary (alias) entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Baltimore, and by 19, she had taken her vows. She taught English to middle-school students and took classes toward receiving her high school diploma. Sister Mary taught full-time until age 77 and retired at 84.
In her later years, the University of Kentucky approached Sister Mary and other nuns about a study related to Alzheimer's and the importance of donating their brains to neurological science. Nuns were an ideal control group because they shared the same environment, health and fitness regimen. As part of the study, Sister Mary had been constantly tested on eight focal areas to assess memory, concentration, language, visuospatial ability, and orientation to time and place. She consistently scored well within normal ranges.
As part of the broader study, researcher David Snowden reviewed personal essays each nun had written upon acceptance. One wrote, Now I am wandering about in Doves Lane waiting, yet only three more weeks, to follow in the footprints of my Spouse, bound to Him by the Holy Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. Another was a lister who wrote, I prefer teaching music to any other profession. Those whose writing styles portrayed a richer sense of grammar, imagination and emotion, such as the first writer, were less impacted by dementia than those who wrote in a more simplistic style.
Did the higher cognitive functioning come first, and therefore dictate what kind of writing style one might have proffered? And can one postpone the effects of memory loss through the continual development, even at that age, of writing styles? These are the questions scientists continue to ask.
Writing and Reading as We Age
We are often amazed by writers who author books into their old age. Margaret Atwood is still productive at age 81. Agatha Christie died at 86 but wrote until her end. At 97, Herman Wouk wrote The Lawgiver, and Toni Morrison published God Help the Child at age 84.
In Changing Minds, a book that examines the correlation between language and aging, Roger Kreuz and Richard Roberts found seniors in a living community used an average vocabulary of 21,000 words, while an average college student might only utilize 16,000 words, proving language mastery is a lifelong journey and learning does'nt necessarily end with school.
Other studies show we can prolong our lives and cognitive functioning by keeping a journal and reading fiction as a noted by the Yale University School of Public Health. People who read books for at least 30 minutes a day lived, on average, nearly two years longer than nonreaders. And at present, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is conducting a study into whether foreign language learning, which utilizes higher cognitive functioning, can also contribute to an increase in lifespan.
It turns out, age is not the sole factor in determining our reading abilities, writing capabilities and learning. Yet, our reading, writing and learning can help extend our age.
More about Handwriting
According to results published in The Lancet Journal for Clinical Medicine, a group of 80 men and women in their 70s, all cognitively normal, took part in a Framington Heart Study where they were administered a writing test before any had developed Alzheimer's.
Subjects described a drawing of a boy standing on an unsteady stool and reaching for a cookie jar on a high shelf while a woman, her back to him, is oblivious to an overflowing sink.
Their language was analyzed by artificial intelligence to predict who would be more likely to develop Alzheimer's or dementia. Those that utilized repetitive words, made more grammatical or spelling errors where a subject, article, or verb was missing were categorized in a group where eight years later, they were impacted by Alzheimer's disease. Based on the writings, the program had predicted with 75% accuracy who would develop cognitive impairment.
Aging and Me
My fathers chicken scratch was well-documented in our household. However, he was the storyteller and remembered details of long-forgotten events before succumbing to Parkinson's. My mothers handwriting was precise and was told she held her pen too tight. She was also a list maker, yet despite her dementia, she still read the headlines from magazine or newspapers I brought her. Whatever remained intact was a result of her reading and my reciting poetry aloud to her. The experts might have had difficulty predicting the outcomes of my parents.
As for me, my first draft of this article contained multiple spelling errors. With the luxury of knowing I would correct that, I tried simply to evoke a thought.
Every day, I push myself little more. Books from the library multiply like rabbits in my study. At age 55, after writing two memoirs, generating several volumes of poetry hidden in my files, and writing countless essays and articles, Im attempting to craft a second work of fiction. After reading conclusions of researchers, I fully expect this volume to keep my mind sharp.
Annette Januzzi Wick is a writer, speaker and author of Ill Have Some of Yours: What my mother taught me about dementia, cookies, music, the outside, and her life inside a care home (Three Arch Press), available online, and is a recipient of a 2020 National Society of Newspaper Columnists award. Visit annettejwick.com to learn more.

Other Articles You May Like

Millennium Physician Group Wellen Park Grand Opening

Millennium Physician Group Wellen Park Grand OpeningMillennium Physician Group is proud to announce its new flagship 13,000-square-foot location in Wellen Park with access to primary care, lab, and imaging services. The practice will open on Monday, May 20, 2024. They will host a ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 11, 2024, from 4:00 6:00 pm. Services to be offered include: Primary Care -- Patricia Daneshmand, D.O and James Pineno, M.D Same Day Appointments 7500 Square feet of imaging space        5800 square feet of medical space Full Service Advanced Imaging Imaging services -- CT, MRI, US, Mammo, X-ray, Dexa, and breast biopsy. 15 Exam rooms 5- 7 Providers  Address: 8036 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34293Primary Care Phone: (941) 244-4300 Radiology Phone: (855) 674-4624Web Address: https://millenniumphysician.com/wellen-park-office About Millennium Physician Group (MPG) Founded in Port Charlotte in 2008, and now headquartered in Fort Myers, Millennium Physician Group has grown into one of the largest comprehensive primary care practices with more than 800 healthcare providers across the Southeast. Services center on primary care complemented by multi-specialty care, walk-in centers, radiology and lab services, physical therapy, telehealth, wellness programs, home health, in-patient hospital care, and much more. Nationally recognized as a leader in value-based care with consistent high levels of physician engagement, Millennium aims to deliver a genuinely connected healthcare experience for patients by providing a comprehensive and coordinated approach to healthcare and be Your Connection to a Healthier Life.

8 Reasons Active Seniors Should Dive into Swimming During Retirement

Many seniors think exercise is just a distant memory due to obstacles like pain, decreased endurance and balance. There is also the fear of injury. The fact of the matter is that water exercises get aging adults moving and active. Its a safe, comfortable, and rewarding way to live an active lifestyle once more. Here are eight ways that swimming benefits seniors and conquers their exercise concerns. So, grab your swimsuit, and lets dive into the numerous and undeniable benefits of swimming and to being an active senior!The 8 Benefits of Swimming for Active SeniorsNo Weight on Your JointsAnything you do in the water is the ultimate low-impact exercise. This means youre not exerting a jarring force on your joints. The reason is that water supports about 90% of your body weight when youre in the pool. This means you float through your exercise session with no pressure on your joints. In this relatively weightless environment, active seniors overcome painful movement caused by arthritis and other health conditions.A Healthier BrainBefore you even move a muscle, immersing yourself in water increases blood flow to your brain. The benefits of this good blood flow include improved concentration, memory, mood, and cognitive function. Studies show that for active seniors, swimming may even help repair damage from stress. It can actually forge new neural connections in the brain.A Workout for Your HeartBy swimming regularly, active seniors reap cardiovascular benefits to their long-term health. If your heart is strong, it pumps blood more efficiently for improved circulation throughout your bodyincluding the brain. The bottom line is that regular aerobic exercise, like swimming, has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.A Lift for Your MoodAlmost all the senses are involved when you swim: sight, sound, touch, and smell, and if youre not careful, sometimes taste! The rhythmic strokes and breath create a focus that soothes. The feel of water moving over your body is a sensation much like a massage. Unless its a bustling pool, the calm and quiet surroundings alleviate stress, encourage relaxation, and even spark creativity. In actuality, swimming is a form of mindfulness.Better Flexibility and Range of MotionEven the most active senior loses some range of motion as they age. But thats not a problem in the water! The buoyancy of the water allows swimmers to move their arms and legs more easily through the full range of motion. Regular swimming helps keep joints supple and improves flexibilityan essential aspect of health and well-being for older adults. For those with a limited range of motion on land, stretching in the water can even improve flexibility.Improved Muscle Strength and ToneGoing for a dip in the pool is a full-body exercise that tones every major muscle group. The natural resistance of the water helps strengthen muscles faster than any land-based exercise. If youre doing laps, different strokes focus on different muscle groups. For that reason, using a combination of strokes will get you the all-over tone you want.Reduced Risk of FallWeve already established that swimming works for all the major muscle groups. With stronger muscles overall, especially the upper body, core muscles, and leg muscles, posture and stability are improved. All of this reduces the risk of falls.Stronger, Happier BackWith gravity out of the way, active seniors dont have to worry about posture or body weight on their spines when exercising. And you dont have to be a lap swimmer to reap real benefits. Water is ideal for gentle exercise as well. It can be as simple as walking in waist-deep water. The water takes the pressure off your joints and back all while youre moving.Swimming at Jacaranda TraceWe are so certain of the health benefits of swimming. Thats why were one of the few senior living communities offering our members a pool and aquatic exercise program. Its a jewel in our community. Our active senior residents benefit from year-round lap swimming, aqua classes, and recreational swimming. Our pool area is as relaxing and social as it is healthful. We even incorporate water exercises for our members receiving physical rehabilitation because of waters gentle resistance and help with balance.

Advantages of a Not-for-Profit Senior Living Community

When looking at senior living communities for yourself or a loved one, there are many great options and many things to consider. Whether youre looking for active independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing or memory care, a key consideration is whether the community operates as a for-profit or not-for-profit senior living organization. It can make a significant difference in the quality of the residences, services, amenities, and culture. For many seniors looking into different community options, the advantages of a not-for-profit senior living community tips the scales.While both types may look similar on the surface, there are some fundamental differences between for-profit and not-for-profit senior living communities.What is a For-Profit Senior Living Community?A for-profit senior living community, like any private business, is obligated to its shareholders to earn a profit. A good number of for-profit communities belong to large national chainssome owning hundreds of properties with thousands of residences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 80 percent of senior communities are for-profit. They are either privately owned or part of a much larger chain. While they might offer quality services and amenities, their core function is to earn a profit from rent and fees.What is a Not-For-Profit Senior Living Community?By definition, a not-for-profit senior living community must reinvest any profit back into its central mission. They are also allowed to raise money from individual and corporate donors, whose gifts are tax deductible, and to apply for certain government and private grants.What are the advantages of Not-For-Profit Retirement Communities?Many of the differences between not-for-profit retirement communities and for-profit senior communities are subtle. As a resident/member of a not-for-profit community, you may simply feel better knowing that the leadership is motivated by a mission, rather than by financially satisfying owners and investors. Youll also know that your wellbeing will always come before profit.Here are a few more ways that not-for-profit senior living communities, like Jacaranda Trace, in Venice, FL, benefit members. Greater Sources of FundingThe IRS grants tax-exempt status to not-for-profit organizations because they further a cause or benefit the publicallowing them to accept donations from a wide range of sources. This funding makes it possible for a not-for-profit senior living community to keep its fees lower than it could otherwise, and even extend financial support to residents/members with hardship situations. This means that long-time members who suffer an unforeseen financial change dont have to worry about having to leave their community.The Governance of a Board of TrusteesA not-for-profit is run by a board of trustees or board of directors. Those individuals have pledged to uphold sound, ethical, and legal governanceputting the organizations mission and members wellbeing first. The board members interact with community leadership and residents/members and listen to their input. The board also works to form fruitful relationships with the local governments, businesses and other organizations. These relationships help to solidly connect their community with the community at large. Reinvestment into the Community  Emphasis on CommunityA not-for-profit senior living community can flourish into a genuine community with the boards leadership and focus on a mission. Members, staff and board members come together through their shared values. Additionally, not-for-profit organizations rarely change ownership. This is not always the case among for-profits. For-profits are often forced into exit strategies or recapitalizations to satisfy shareholders interests.Why Choose the Jacaranda Trace Not-For-Profit Senior Living Community?We are a not-for-profit community because we want to fully serve our members and our community. At Jacaranda Trace, our aim is to be the senior living community of choice for seniors who want to spend their lives in an intellectually, physically, and spiritually rich environment. To learn more about life at Jacaranda Trace, or to schedule a personal visit, call 941-841-0946 or Click Here.

Local Services By This Author

Arden Courts Promedica Memory Care of Sarasota

Memory Care 5509 Swift Rd., Sarasota, Florida, 34231

Arden Courts Memory Care Community in Sarasota sounds like a haven tailored specifically for individuals grappling with memory loss, particularly Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The emphasis on specially trained caregivers reflects a commitment to providing specialized care that meets the unique needs of residents facing cognitive challenges. The layout of the community, with its friendly common spaces, inviting kitchen and family rooms, and enclosed courtyards with walking paths, prioritizes both safety and comfort.Creating an environment that fosters familiarity and ease is crucial for individuals with memory loss, and it's evident that Arden Courts strives to provide just that. By offering spaces designed for socialization, relaxation, and gentle physical activity, residents can maintain a sense of connection and engagement. Arden Courts appears dedicated to supporting residents in living with dignity and quality of life despite the challenges they may face due to memory loss.