This week’s article was inspired by a recent Pentecostal pastor’s sermon on “The Heart.” Numerous fascinating facts and examples of men and women “storing their lives in their hearts” were given and explained. In later articles, we will site scientific examples and documentation. For now, we just want to describe how men and women actually “think in their hearts”!

Did you know that there are more neurons, specialized impulse-conducting cells in the nervous system, in the human heart than in the entire cerebral cortex of the brain? Here is an example of how a person can live without a brain, but not without a heart. This may provide a new dimension to forensic psychology.

Heart To Heart
Recently, an elderly couple celebrated 72 years of marriage. They had married at a young age and did everything together, even though their personalities were quite different. After a serious car accident, they both were taken to the hospital. In ICU (Intensive Care Unit), the family explained to he hospital staff that the couple were very close and always wanted to be together. They arranged for the man and woman to be in the same ICU room, where they actually held hands. A few hours later the elderly man was declared “brain dead,” as his brain waves could no longer be detected. However, the couple still clasped each other’s hands. Doctors explained to the family that the woman’s heart was sending signals to the man’s heart to keep it beating. This went on for an hour, when finally the man’s heart stopped. The woman lived for about another hour before her heart also stopped beating.

Here is another example.

Storing A Life In A Heart
A man committed suicide after 12 years of marriage. He was an organ donor. His heart was put in another man, the transplant was successful and shortly afterward the man wanted to thank the family of the donor; so he arranged to meet the donor’s family. He got to know the widow very well and fell in love with her. Shortly they were married. After exactly twelve years of marriage, the man committed suicide.

An here is still another one.

Memories In A Heart
A forty-two year old man was killed and donated his heart, which was transplanted into the chest of a seventeen year old girl. When the girl woke after the transplant she had a strong craving for a beer, even though she had never drank before. Later the family of the man was contacted and asked if the man ever drank; they said no, but the man’s sister said he secretly did have a drinking problem and loved beer. It happened to be the day of the young girl’s birthday; and a large chocolate birthday cake was prepared. The young girl had never really liked chocolate, but ate the cake and remarked that it was the best tasting cake she had ever eaten. Upon questioning the family of the forty-two year old man, it was discovered that the man who donated the heart loved chocolate.

“Keep Your Heart With All Diligence”
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life.” Thus, keeping you heart right is more than just spiritual. Affection, longevity, memories and more are all stored in the heart. It can mean much more than simply a method of supplying blood to the body.

Thank you for reading.

In an article dated January 2011 in the New York Post entitled “Obama’s end-of-life bungling” by Jim Towy, and re-posted on their website in February 2012, the issue of government funded doctor/patient counseling on end-of-life care options during annual visits was discussed. Mr. Towy was a senior advisor to President George W. Bush and founder of Aging With Dignity, a national non-profit organization dedicated to helping families discuss end-of-life care.

No Place In Politics
Is there a place for this in politics? Absolutely not! There is sanctity in the doctor/patient discussions; and this should never be violated by “playing politics.” In no situation should government at any level be mandating, funding, supporting or even expressing an opinion in an official government release on the subject of doctor/patient discussions.

Hopefully, the Obama Administrations has learned its lesson. And the issue will not even be brought up during the 2012 pre-election debates and discussions, except in passing and then only in support of leaving doctor/patient discussions unhindered, uninfluenced and completely private and isolated from any government intervention.

The Bottom Line
The bottom line in the article was this. “When it comes to end-of-life care policy, there are no substitutes for transparency, full disclosure and opportunity for faith communities, disability rights groups and other elder organizations to have input in the process.” Mr. Towy goes on to say that otherwise there will be “fear” that the government is promoting such discussions to eventually reduce the costs of keeping the elderly alive, which obviously would be political suicide for anyone seeking office. (Hopefully, this is an accurate paraphrase of Mr. Towy’s statement.)

There are delicate issues, but few more delicate than this. Even the abortion issue is not as volatile. Either a fetus is a human being or not; it is pretty black and white, at least from a Christian perspective, which says human life begins at conception. However, at the other end of life, a similar issue must be addressed; but it is not as black and white. The decision must be made among the patient, the doctor and the immediate family, or the legally responsible person or entity. (The latter referencing the authorities when there is no immediate family.) There should not be any further discussions!

As always, all comments and questions are most welcome. Thank you for reading!

This week we will list and briefly describe a number of longstanding, reliable and credible sources of information about maintaining both good physical and good mental condition after 60 years of age.

Life Guidance Services. As a non-profit organization since 1893, LGS is also a part of Proactive Behavioral Alliance, which is a not-for-profit group of behavioral health organizations. They provide wellness and prevention programs, counseling and employee assistance services and are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and licensed by the State of Michigan’s Bureau of Health Systems. More information can be found at http://www.lifeguidanceservices.org/.

International Counsel On Active Aging. ICAA was founded in 2001 by a health and fitness industry veteran, Mr. Colin Milner. Annual conferences provide a forum for aging professionals to network and learn from each other, as well as from leaders in “active aging.” The organization honors creativity and excellence in programs and products for the aging. They also sponsor an “Active Aging Week” event, which provides older adults opportunity to engage in activities and exercise in a fun and safe environment. As of January 2010, the ICAA Network consisted of 8,200 organizations in over 40,000 locations in 37 countries all over the world. These organizations include the AARP, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, American Council on Exercise, American Occupational Therapy Association, the American Physical Therapy Association, JCC Association and the National Area Agencies on Aging. More information can be found at http://www.icaa.cc/.

WebMD’s “50 and Over: Healthy Aging”. This resource is just a portion of an extensive web-based organization. It includes links to popular searches by older adults on such topics as longevity diets, medication costs, retirement, memory, nutrition, heart disease, medical tests, sleep, sex, alzheimers, fitness and much more. The website also includes discussions, blogs and information on community organizations and caregiving. WebMD editorial team includes award-winning experts in medicine, health communication, journalism and content creation. They employ an Independent Medical Review Board to assure the currency and accuracy of the information. WebMD also has won numerous awards, including the eHealthcare Leadership Awards, an Excellence In Partnering Award from the Department of Health and Human Services and an award for Excellence in Journalism for WebMD’s “Gene test, Preventive Surgery Saves Women’s Lives” by the Society of Professional Journalists. More information can be found at http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/.

Healthy Aging. This is a national health initiative designed to be informative. It is described as “the best there is” about the physical, mental and social elements of aging. It began over 15 years ago in response to a television special entitled Our Nation’s Health… Healthy Aging. The website is produced by CWI Productions, Inc., which regularly updates news, techniques and tips for aging with a positive attitude. More information can be found at http://www.healthyaging.net/.

Other sources for information on maintaining both good physical and mental condition after 60 will periodically be included in future articles. Whether you are a doctor or an LPN (licensed practical nurse), we all get older and need the latest guidance and expertise. At Education After Sixty we will point you in the right direction for the best information.

Thank you for reading!

Taking Dominion Over Our Thinking
My Pastor once demonstrated that each of us actually controls what we think about, not mom, dad or a relative, not our teacher, not even the Devil himself or his demons. God can, but He has promised in His Word that He will not, because He has given us a “free will” to think and do as we believe is best or proper or appropriate. And God cannot lie. The Pastor said, “Think about the front door of your house. Do you see the latch and the color of the door? Do you see what material it is made from? Do you see the shape of the glass, the steps leading to it, its position on the house? Well, you have just taken control over your own thoughts.”

An Illustration
It is a simple illustration, but a powerful one! To some of you it will be a revelation. “Wow! I can actually control my own thoughts!” Therefore, take dominion over your own mind and control it. And I am not talking about the proverbial “power of positive thinking.” Negative thoughts are also a part of life and you are not going to escape them. Think positive all you want; but problems, difficulties and obstacles still must be faced. That is where God comes in to help. He says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2) He also says to think about good, not evil. But the choice is still yours.

Our Conscience
Psychologists have realized for decades that an active brain can mean a healthy body, which is the subtitle of this website. But the question is active doing what? Each of us has a conscience, which is a discernment between good and evil or right and wrong. God gave us a conscience for a reason, so we could exercise our free will and have the ability to choose good over evil and right over wrong. Often our conscience will speak to us; if you know God, you understand He speaks in a “still small voice.” But often our own voice and thoughts will drown out that still small voice.

Choices
Therefore, we choose what we want to think about. And those choices have much to do with our decisions in life. We choose what books to read, what TV programs to watch, what to say to people, what not to say and how to say it. We can choose to think good things about others and wish them well; or, we can choose to think bad things about others and wish them harm.

So make good choices, good decisions, set nothing evil before your eyes (Psalm 101:3) and think good things about others. It is simply a matter of taking dominion over your thinking. Your whole outlook on life can change for the better. Try it! What have you got to loose?

Thank you for reading!

Does each day seem like the last? Are you bored? When was the last time you did something you have never done before? Do you believe the idiom, “Variety is the spice of life.”? Well, you should because it is true. This week we will provide you with some ideas for having an active brain by trying some new things and getting a healthier body in the process!

Some Simple Examples
What time do you usually get up in the morning? 7 o’clock? How about getting up at 5 or 6 o’clock? Listen to the early news on the TV or radio. Meet some different people on your morning walk or jog or at breakfast. Not everyone gets up at 7 o’clock.

Read a book on something you have never done or seen before. Learn about skydiving, piloting and airplane, searching for arrowheads, glass blowing, painting or riding motorcycles. Read a book on a place you have never been before, such as Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Brazil, South Africa, England, China, Switzerland or Croatia; or find an atlas or globe and pick a spot! Is there a state in the U.S. you have never visited?

Just say hello to a stranger at the restaurant, library or grocery store or the new neighbor who just moved in up the street. Variety may be the spice of life, but what is more varied than people? Almost every one is different, and there are over 6 billion of them! Different needs, desires, perceptions, views on life, religions, political views, experiences, relatives, friends, etc. My pastor travels all over the world and meets an extremely wide variety of people. But, as he relates from the pulpit, one of his favorite pastimes during his travels is just studying people. Whether in line at the grocery store, being served at a restaurant or waiting in a busy airport, people make life interesting. Why are they happy? Or, why are they sad? Why are they angry or why are they without emotion? Some you may want to speak to; but most you may often just enjoy observing.

Take in a ball game of your choice – baseball, basketball, football or maybe watch a tennis match at a nearby tournament. Whether they are high school, college, professional or simply teams from companies around your town or city, they can be really fun to watch!

Some Adventurous Examples
President Bush, the elder, has gone skydiving on his birthday. How about attending a motorcycle road race or a motocross race (a dirt track with hills, curves and bumps), taking a ski lift to the mountain top in the summertime for a spectacular view, riding on the back of a motorcycle with a trusted friend or relative, or going hiking with them where you have never been before.

Taking a college course at a community college or any of hundreds of top online accredited colleges across the nation can also be an adventure in learning, something you never want to stop doing. Take a course in something you know nothing about or something you always wanted to know more about. Never stop learning!

Some Exotic Examples
For those with the time, financial means and the required good health, take a cruise on the Caribbean, an African tour, a European tour or a trip to Japan, Hong Kong or Australia. Visit Israel, Turkey, Greece or Italy and see the biblical sites and historical locations. England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany and other European countries have many historical places to visit.

If visiting is out of the question, look for video documentaries on these places or read about them on the Internet or from books at your local library. Take out a book on a different country every week for five or ten weeks; or visit a different website and learn about different countries every day for five or ten days. There is so much to see and so much to learn!

Thank you for reading!

Each individual is different and unique. So this description may not fit you or your lifestyle; but I believe many readers will be able to identify with this description of my daily routine, which emphasizes when I believe I am the most alert, clear thinking and able to perform both mentally and physically.

My Morning Routine
Upon waking in the morning I habitually go through the same routine six days a week. Sunday I skip the physical exercise, but still go through everything else. Setting the alarm two hours and forty minutes before starting my day, I spend the first 15 minutes waking up and simply enjoying not getting up right away. Then I pray for 30 minutes, after which I get up, get dressed for my exercise routine, exercise, take a shower, get dressed for my day’s activities, eat breakfast, brush my teeth and start my day, which nearly always takes the remaining two hours. Upon finishing this routine, I am at the “one point” in each day at which I am physically and mentally the sharpest.

I then go about my writing at the computer, driving a car, van or motorcycle, doing yard work, shopping, taking our dog to the vet or a myriad of other tasks. But I will get more done, and enjoy it more, between that “one point” in time and lunch time than at any other period of the day. However, if I break the routine, by skipping any one of the activities during that two hour and twenty minute period, I am not as physically and mentally sharp.

With lunch and a 15 or 20 minute rest period, I am usually able to continue my work or other activity into the afternoon; but I am not as sharp as I was in the morning. And by 4 or 5 P.M., I am ready to end the work day.

My Night Routine
Not nearly as regimented as the morning, my nighttime activities consist of supper, watching news on TV, discussing the day with my wife, sometimes watching a special TV show, then reading or writing, or both, until 9:30 or 10:00 P.M and then getting ready for bed.

Your Routine and “Normalcy”
I do not pretend to know what “normalcy” is; however, I believe it is something close to my morning and nighttime routines. I am usually ready to sleep shortly after 10 P.M. and after a short time of prayer with my wife. Then, after 7 to 8 hours of sleep, I am ready to repeat it all again.

So what is your routine? How does it compare with that above? As mentioned, we are all different, but as humans I believe there are more commonalties, physically and spiritually, than many people realize. I have also known many people who firmly believe they are a “morning person” or a “night person.” Obviously, I am a morning person. But I also believe that a morning person is what mankind was meant to be – sharpest in the morning and ready for bed at night. Furthermore, I believe that after 60 it is even more important to conform to a routine causing peak physical and mental performance early in the day, then allow for decreased performance as the day wears on and finally engage in a period of relaxed physical and mental activities in preparation for sleep. It works for me!

As always, your comments and questions are most welcome. Thank you for reading!

The Bible often stresses being careful about who you associate with on a regular basis. As we grow older we can get “set in our ways” and believe that wisdom is only acquired through years of experience. Actually, unless its God’s wisdom, nothing could be further from the truth. And God frequently talks to us through other people.

But Which People?
First, we should talk to people who know the Lord. But also (and I’m tempted to say “second,” but there are a number of others.), talk to the next generation and the previous generation. Human mental capacity reaches its peak sometime around the late twenties to mid thirties, according to one article by Askmen.Com. However according to research, a more comprehensive answer involves the ages where each individual achieves a balance among one’s peak ability to absorb new information (early childhood), one’s peak ability to produce ideas and concepts (which lasts for a lifetime, but is impeded by society) and one’s peak ability to apply ideas through both experience and critical thinking (late 20s to early 30′s).

Thus, researchers believe that humans normally reach their peak mental ability somewhere between 30 and 35.

Therefore…
Never stop learning. Carefully observe that 3 to 5 year old grandchild or great grandchild, resist societal pressures to conform to this world (actually a biblical concept, explained below) and listen to those in their late 20s and early 30s who are applying their learned ideas and are first getting a firm hold on their chosen best careers. Notice that producing new ideas, and exhibiting the wisdom to produce ideas and concepts, can come from those being educated after 60! Those over 60 should stimulate their ability to apply ideas by communicating with knowledgeable young professionals in their late 20s and early 30s.

From preschool to graduate school, we most often learn from others. So why should learning after 60 be any different? It shouldn’t. But now you have the added advantage of understanding which people to listen to and exchange ideas with, allowing you to maximize your wealth of experience, and then move toward real wisdom and intelligence.

So… Communicate With Them!
Whenever possible, communicate with young minds. And the young minds most free from the “societal pressures” mentioned above are those who know the Lord Jesus Christ. Scripture says plainly, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, …” (Romans 12:2) Then, you will know “… what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (the end of Romans 12:2) Those words are describing real wisdom and intelligence, which most often comes from others – especially “Young New Minds” who know the Lord!

As always, your comments and questions are most welcome. Thank you for reading!

In the 1970s and 1980s researchers on human intelligence believed that our brains had the capability of attaining and IQ of 2000, when a genius was only able to attain an IQ of 160 to 200. However, today researchers have concluded that they really do not know the capability of human intelligence. In fact, scientists and researchers agree that there is still more that they do not know about the human brain than they do know. Thus, your potential for learning is also unknown. You must never stop learning.

Sources On Aging and Learning
The Ohio Department of Aging makes the rather dogmatic statement that continuing one’s education past the normal retirement age actually helps to maintain or even improves one’s physical and mental well-being. Their website lists 20 learning institutes in Ohio, many of which have schools or colleges for “lifelong learning.” And many Ohio colleges and universities also offer free college courses for Ohio residents age 60 and over. See the “Ohio Department of Aging Lifelong Learning” website. Also, you can check for a similar online website for your state.

And then there is U3A, the University of the Third Age. This self-help organization is located in the UK and other countries and requires no qualifications or examinations. This university was founded in 1982 and is devoted to people who want to keep active in mind and body well after normal retirement age. It helps those over 60 learn new things, expand their knowledge and share skills and experiences with others to help them learn. This university emphasizes that age is no barrier to learning.

If you would like informative documentary videos on aging adults in the U.S. and around the world, go to the “Instructional Film List” by the National Center for Gerontological Social Work Education, a Geriatric Social Work Initiative funded by the John A. Hartford Foundation. There are dozens of films listed with a brief content description and links for more information on obtaining or viewing each film.

Finally, visit healthybrainfood.com and its article “How To Keep a Youthful Brain,” which includes dozens of links to articles and other resources on the importance of learning as you grow older. The featured article emphasizes to never stop learning and lists numerous tips to help maintain a youthful and sharp mind.

Why Stop Learning?
Another article at “pickthebrain.com” states that 42 percent of college graduates, undoubtedly some from the best schools online, never again read another book. Certainly, that is a mistake! I have five books, which I am currently reading; and I wish I had the time to just sit down and read each one all the way through. My dad retired in his fifties, as I did, but never stopped working and learning. My pastor is eighty-one years of age and still preaches and travels all over the world visiting fellowship churches, which spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in over 100 countries around the world in over 1700 churches. Obviously, I have no reason to stop working and learning; and I have no plans to do so. The fact that you have read this entire article indicates you are similarly minded; and you too really want to “Never Stop Learning”!

Thank you for reading!

This article is the second in a two-part series on drinking water. In the first part I described just some of the benefits I have experienced over the past six months. These include: feeling more energetic; enjoying eating more and being less concerned about eating too much; having stronger teeth, which are less sensitive to sweets, hot and cold; and even sleeping better. If you would like to enjoy these benefits too, read on, discuss this with your doctor and enjoy a healthier life, whether you are young or after 60!

Interesting Research Information
Naturally occurring foods rich in nutrients, allegedly, are becoming a thing of the past. The theory is that centuries of vegetation growth and aggressive farming techniques have brought the earth’s minerals to the surface, where they have simply been washed away. And this has resulted in soil-nutrient depletion. Ingestion of fruits and vegetables grown in such soil can result in the impairment of vital physiological functions and the greater likelihood of disease. In other words, something is missing from our diet.

That something is trace minerals. Too many minerals, such as magnesium, calcium and sodium can cause hard water, described as alkaline. If there are too few minerals, water becomes acidic, which may cause acidosis in the body resulting in irreversible cell damage, lower bone density (as calcium is actually taken out of the bones) and immune body response. However, our stomachs naturally have a beneficial acidic level that helps us digest our food.

The level of minerals in our drinking water is measured by pH, which technically is the potential hydrogen or activity of hydrogen ions in a substance, such as water. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, that is neither too alkaline nor too acidic and free of contaminants. However, and confusingly, numerous publications state that the level of pH of drinking water has little direct effect on the body.

The Healthiest Drinking Water
In its healthiest state drinking water should be slightly alkaline, with a pH of about 7.35. And health professionals agree that the accumulation of acid waste in the body is the primary cause of most degenerative diseases and premature aging. What causes acid waste in the body? Researchers list poor diet consisting of animal-base foods, alcohol, tobacco, processed and fried foods and soft drinks. And very notably, a stress-filled lifestyle is highly acidifying to the body. People with a high level of body acidity will benefit from drinking water with more alkalinity.

Distilled Water
Distilled water is pure water and contains no minerals. Thus, some supplemental minerals must be added. I use ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops by Trace Minerals Research out of Roy, Utah. However, three tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar per gallon of distilled water will also replenish many of minerals needed on a daily basis. But distilled water without any mineral supplements can be dangerous and cause mineral deficiencies; yet, if only drunk for one or two weeks, it will cleanse or detoxify the body.

Consistency of Findings
The above findings and recommendations are very consistent among many sources. Do research for yourself, but heed the warnings and consult your doctor before starting any regular regimen, or at least a pharmacy technician, especially if you have other complicating health issues. To start your online research go to either of these sites:

http://www.waterbenefitshealth.com/drinking-distilled-water.html

http://www.traceminerals.com

However, there are many other sites. So do your own research using key words such as distilled, water, drinking and pH. Your time will be very well spent and will actually enhance your Education After 60!

All comments are encouraged and most welcome. Thank you for reading!

This week I am going to describe a physically enhancing practice, which I have followed for the past several months. In the next article I will describe some of the health research organizations and specific health benefits described by professionals, who claim that the water you drink has much to do with your physical health. After doing my own research and talking to a number of friends, relatives and acquaintances, I decided to try drinking only pure distilled water with supplemental minerals.

One Wednesday Night
A friend of mine at church said he has been drinking distilled water, with some additives, for a number of years. And he later gave me a little booklet, written in the 1970s, describing the many benefit of drinking distilled water, as well as the many hazardous materials in regular tap water. It also stated that bottled water was not any better than tap water. My friend and the booklet also frequently mentioned pH, referencing the alkalinity or acidity of water. Either extreme is bad for the human body; and actually could result in death! There appeared to be a delicate balance; and many factors could change that balance. In fact, just exposure to air changes water toward becoming more acidic. I had to look into this further.

The Decision
The human body is 60 to 70 percent water. And even our blood is approximately 90 percent water. So the water we drink must be pretty important to our health. I have never attended the best online colleges in health sciences, however, after doing significant research, mostly on the Internet, I decided to see for myself. Ever since college I have been very health conscious and have tried to habitually practice eating right, exercising, avoiding unnecessary drugs and even explored making right spiritual decisions. I reasoned, I only have one body, so why not take care of it!

Therefore, I began a regimen of drinking distilled water and adding a mineral supplement by Trace Minerals Research. Other than orange or other fruit juice in the morning, and milk on my breakfast cereal, I have exclusively drunk this water for about five months. Each day I drink at least 7 to 8 eight ounce glasses. If I do allot of physical exercise, or am exposed to high temperatures, I may drink an additional 2 to 5 eight once glasses.

The Results – At Least Preliminarily
I definitely do feel better, am more regular and have more easily been able to maintain a steady weight, seldom varying beyond two to three pounds from 212 pounds. At 6 ft. 2 in., my weight is appropriate for my height. The amount of water I have been drinking has increased since starting the regimen, from about 3 to 4 eight ounce glasses to 7 or 8.

Whether the regularity and steady weight is due more to the change in the water or the amount of water intake each day is difficult to determine. However, overall I definitely feel more energetic, enjoy eating more and worry less about eating too much or even what I eat. Too a much greater extent than ever before, I eat what I want and when I want it. My teeth seem to have become stronger and are less sensitive to sweets, hot and cold. And I believe I am even sleeping better.

Therefore, overall I believe drinking distilled water almost exclusively, but with minerals added, has improved my quality of life. And I would highly recommend it. However, I am only one individual and was in good to very good health before starting this regimen. It works extremely well for me; but before you decide on anything similar, check with your doctor, especially if you have other health issues. And as I did, do your own research. Next week I will discuss the specific research I studied, which led me to the decision to drink distilled water with supplemental minerals almost exclusively.

All comments and questions are most welcome. Thank you for reading!