Lao Zhang is 68 years old this year, but his physical condition is enviable.
He always appeared in the park every morning, holding a worn-out copy of "Dream of Red Mansions" in his hand, but his eyes often looked at the children playing and the people exercising in the morning.
Lao Zhang is particularly interested in two things - reading and socializing.
I had the privilege of talking to Mr. Zhang on a sunny afternoon.
He told me that reading books gave him endless knowledge and fun, and that socializing kept his mind young, which were the secrets of his longevity.
Lao Zhang's every day is enjoyable, he not only reads all kinds of books to enrich his spiritual world, but also actively participates in community activities, communicates with neighbors, and maintains an optimistic attitude.
Lao Zhang's story is not unique.
Scientific studies have shown that the pursuit of knowledge and good social relationships are important factors in longevity.
After the age of 65, men who remain interested in these two things usually have a longer life and a higher quality of life.
This is not accidental, there is a deep scientific basis and physiological mechanism behind it.
The simplicity of the story lies in its universality and simplicity.
Lao Zhang's lifestyle does not require expensive expenses or complex technology, just simple daily activities.
However, such a simple life can have a far-reaching impact, not only making Lao Zhang's later life full of vitality, but also providing us with profound enlightenment - the pursuit of knowledge and social interaction can still add a strong touch to life in his later years.
As we age, cognitive function tends to decline.
However, the ongoing pursuit of knowledge, such as reading, learning Xi new skills or languages, can significantly slow down this process.
This type of activity requires the brain to constantly make new neural connections, strengthen memory, and improve concentration and problem-solving skills.
Activities such as reading can help improve language comprehension and are also an effective form of brain exercise.
A well-educated brain, or one that is often used to think and Xi, is better able to cope with the challenges of aging.
This "cognitive reserve" theory suggests that an active brain is better able to cope with cognitive decline and even the effects of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
On the other hand, the positive effects of social activities on longevity have also been confirmed by numerous studies.
Socializing not only reduces loneliness, but also reduces stress and improves personal well-being.
Interactions with friends and family stimulate the brain's reward centers to release "happy hormones" such as dopamine and endorphins, chemicals that bring feelings of pleasure and fight depression and anxiety.
Good social relationships also promote mental resilience and help people stay positive in the face of life's challenges.
This resilience is essential to cope with the various challenges that may arise in later life, including health issues, the loss of a loved one, and more.
There is a close interplay between the pursuit of knowledge and social activities.
Participating in social forms of learning Xi, such as discussion groups and reading clubs, can not only provide intellectual stimulation, but also meet the social needs of human beings.
In these interactions, the brain is forced to think, remember, and express, which not only exercises cognitive abilities but also strengthens interpersonal relationships.
For men over the age of 65, preventing illness is the key to longevity.
The pursuit of knowledge and maintaining good social relationships can significantly improve their quality of life and help prevent a number of age-related diseases.
Social activities can reduce psychological stress and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
At the same time, sustained intellectual activity has also been found to be associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
A healthy diet Xi habitual and regular physical activity, combined with an active social life, make up the three pillars of cardiovascular health.
Ongoing brain challenges, such as Xi new skills and solving complex problems, can increase the brain's cognitive reserves and help combat cognitive decline.
At the same time, social interaction provides rich verbal and emotional communication, which is essential for the overall functioning of the brain.
Good social relationships help with emotional management, especially when coping with adversity in life.
Social support networks can provide emotional support to help individuals cope with stress and reduce the occurrence of depression and anxiety. Life tips and precautions are as follows.
- Lifelong Xi: There is no age limit for the pursuit of knowledge. Retire to a community college course, an online learning Xi platform, or participate in a local discussion group. Xi for life not only enhances knowledge and skills, but also strengthens connections with people.
- Build a healthy social circle: Participating in community events, volunteering, or organizing regular family gatherings can strengthen social connections. It's important to find common interests and values, and social events like this are more satisfying.
- Maintain an active lifestyle: Combine physical activity with social activities, such as dance classes, hiking groups, or golf clubs. This is a great way to exercise and socialize.
- Use of technology: Keeping connected with modern technologies, such as video calls and social media, is an effective means of staying socially active, especially for older people who are not around their families.
- Precautions: While pursuing knowledge and socialization, the elderly should pay attention to their physical condition and avoid overwork. When participating in activities, you should do what you can and get enough rest.
Lao Zhang's story reminds us that longevity is not just an increase in the number of years of life, it is also a reflection of quality and vitality.
On the road to longevity, knowledge and social interaction are like two bright lights, illuminating every corner of life in later life.
They not only enrich the spiritual world of the elderly, but also extend their social connections and give profound meaning to life.
Scientific studies have confirmed the long-term benefits of these daily activities, but it is Lao Zhang's smile and the sound of him reading aloud in the park that are the most vivid proof of these studies.
As the years go by, not everything will age, and the thirst for knowledge and the warm communication between people will not fade with time.
epilogue
Let's follow the example of Lao Zhang, no matter your age, to stay curious and open-minded, actively participate in social activities, and cherish the connection with family and friends.
Life is a rich book, socializing is a wonderful journey, and each of us is the author of our own story.
Through continuous learning and Xi and in-depth exchanges, we can also be like Lao Zhang, so that life can bloom with extraordinary brilliance in the long river of years.