DropBy

www.freshbalance.org.uk

Fun, Relevant activities to build Energy, Strength and a Healthy balance system Doing physical activities is an important part of keeping alert and active at any age. Some people think that to be 'old' is to stop doing things.

I was standing on the bank this morning, looking across the valley at the cloud casting shadows on the opposite hills, & I though - d'you know it’s a fact of life that not everyone operates within the accepted principals of British Fare Play! I know, this is tuff, but no one should expect life to be easy. We’re just given the wood & the tools – it’s up to us to plain it down & sand-off the corners. We take what we’re given to work with, & then its up to us what sort of a job we do. It challenges our initiative & perseverance, & on the whole I venture to suggest the experience can make a very much stronger person of each & every one of us.

This is my first contribution to dropby and I thought I'd introduce you to Anthony Smith. A good friend of 86 who I met 40 years ago through ballooning,
Instead of surrendering to traditional activities in old age - like pruning the roses - he decided to cross the Atlantic on a raft!



I initially thought I might join him, but wrote a website about the journey instead. LINK.

And here's a rather poor quality video of Anthony and me discussing it all in the early stages.    LINK

17 February, 2012 | By The Press Association

The risk of developing dementia or strokes in later life can be measured by conducting tests of physical ability in middle-aged people, according to US researchers. Experts led by Dr Eric Camargo of Boston Medical Center tested more than 2,400 with an average age of 62 over 11 years.
They were tested for walking speed, hand grip strength and mental function, and underwent brain scans.
Those with slower walking speeds tended to have a lower cerebral brain volume, leading to a poorer performance in memory, language and decision-making. The scientists concluded the slower walkers were one and a half times more likely to develop disorders such as Alzheimer’s over the age of 65. And they said those with a stronger grip had a 42% lower risk of stroke or mini-stroke, although the risk was not reduced at a younger age.
Stronger grip signified a larger total cerebral brain volume. Dr Camargo said: “These are basic office tests which can provide insight into risk of dementia and stroke and can be easily performed by a neurologist or general practitioner.” The research will be presented at the 64th annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in News Orleans in April.

I am going to link to my son's blog so we can keep up with his amazing cycle trip.

http://ollieandarchiestourofeurope.blogspot.com/