1. Take vitamins. You'll have to do your own research. People push everything from Noni juice to bee pollen. However, medical studies do support taking vitamin E. It really does help thinking and brain cell maintenance. It's what you get from eating salmon. In addition, women need calcium. I like a vitamin/herb supplement. I don't know which of the magic ingredients help (bee pollen? ginko?) but I like the results (from the $1 Store).
2. Exercise. At twenty we're driven to it. By thirty it's an effort. At forty, more of an effort. In the 1950's GG did sit-ups on the living room floor. I remember Great-Grandma Rachel at 90 slowly getting up and opening a drawer to put an elastic around cards. I could have done it for her quickly, but she knew she needed to keep moving. Even in bed she would lift and exercise her little legs.
3. Do Brain Exercises. Whatever works. Don't panic if you feel a little forgetful. You were forgetful when you were young, too. Great Gram again: In the rest home, she had a routine every morning of going over significant dates, everyone's names, birthdays, etc., so she wouldn't be caught looking out-of-it: "Now let's see, you're the youngest, right?"
4. Resist. Something may be telling you that you-are-what-you are at 40. You've had your chance. You're essentially done. Of course, not. You may not feel the same surge of energized enthusiasm you had earlier, but you'll have plenty to begin something new. (We had to fight off those feelings to start desktop publishing--both over 40.)
5. Groom. You know those old codgers you see with nose and ear hairs? Well. They make grooming tools. Women, too. Some can get peach fuzz later on.
6. Eat Well. Pay attention to your body. It will tell you if you're not really hungry for that extra butter or sugar. Each person is different. At some stage you might find that dairy makes you tired and you have to curb the milk and cookies. Red meat may not agree with you. Don't worry. There's still plenty of great food to eat.
Love, Mom
