At The Somerset we all love reading and at The Lord Somerset Clubhouse we have our very own library.
In a recent resident survey, reading came out as one of the top two hobbies and interests in the village.
Dr Marita Van Zyl Burger has taken over the library and has made a great difference to the way that books are presented – making it easier for residents to make their preferred choices. She also introduced discussion groups and presentations. (Photo taken in 2019)
Recently Marita discussed ways to improve concentration and longevity. She also recommended some good reads on the topic. Marita writes:
” Hush, I am trying to concentrate!
Many of us have experienced this – you are trying to concentrate, but your mind is wandering, distracted from the task at hand. You may ask, what happened to the laser-sharp focus I once enjoyed? And yes, we have heard that like a computer that slows with use, the brain accumulates wear and tear that affects processing, and then also the story about natural shrinkage!
But on a more serious note, the reason for our concentration deficit may be influenced by the following:
- An underlying condition such as sleep apnea or in the case of vision and hearing loss where you for example spend precious cognitive resources on making out what is written on the page.
- Side effects of medication –certain drugs slow your ability to think clearly.
- Information overload when we are bombarded with information from TVs, computers, and messages such as texts or emails, burdening our filtering system.
We are often reminded of strategies to stay focused and to improve our concentration. Consider the following ways to improve your concentration:
- Practice mindfulness, that is, by focusing attention on the present moment.
The advocates for this practice even say that by practising mindfulness our brains will be ‘rewired’ so that our attention is stronger in everyday life activities. What we have to do (and I agree heartily with this one) is to sit still for a few minutes each day, closing your eyes, and focusing on your breathing as well as the sounds and sensations around you – and may I add daydreaming – for me one of the best relaxation activities and rewarding exercises (but perhaps it will work more for women).
- Playing computerised cognitive training games, aimed at improving your response times and attention.
There is mixed evidence that this one will work, but maybe by improving a certain level of performance, it may translate to actions in everyday life.
- Living a healthier lifestyle.
In developed countries, the average life expectancy has increased by roughly 30 years within the last century. Most of the things that make up a longevity lifestyle are simple – exercise, eat (and drink) healthily, sleep adequately, stay engaged. We know all these details about lifestyle, if only we can discipline ourselves to do it. Seemingly, the old Greeks also believed this.
I was quite surprised, but actually we should not be surprised, that the Ancient Greeks, being the founders of Democracy as a form of Governance, also had very modern views on longevity. They pioneered the idea of the ‘health span’, and regarded ageing holistically, as a lifelong process with a number of stages with the last one maturity and old age. A healthy youth was viewed by them as the basis for a robust old age.
What is interesting is that their prescribed ‘anti-ageing’ regime is still so relevant today: walking and moderate running as physical exercise, and promoting the health benefits of a simple diet involving gruel, raw honey, vegetables and fowl. (Amusingly, also several wines were regarded as especially suitable for the elderly).
Life expectancy in ancient times was different from what it is today. Many ancient Greeks remained energetic and productive in old age and achieved greatness in their later years. Longevity was regarded as a sign of wisdom and intelligence and they took considerable pride in their age.
Perhaps the reason for this was the fewer number of elderly people in Ancient Greece. Being elderly was like belonging to a very exclusive club.
And so should we!
INTERESTING BOOKS ON THE TOPIC OF IMPROVED CONCENTRATION AND LONGEVITY:
- The organised mind, thinking straight in the age of information overload. Daniel J. Levitin,
- The end of Absence, reclaiming what we have lost in the world. Michael Harris.
- Longevity examined: an ancient Greek’s very modern views on ageing. Stanley M Burstein, Caleb E Finch
- Evolving views of Ageing and Longevity from Homer to Hippocrates. Caleb Finch”
Dr Marita van Zyl Burger
