Keep Your Mind Growing
Jason Rodriguez, Director of Finance, Allies in Aging
If you did a search on the topic of Well-Being, you would inevitably come across a conceptual model called the Pillars of Well-Being. Some models have 4 Pillars, others have 7, but most overlap enough that Well-Being is composed of Physical, Intellectual, and Emotional components. For this article, I was asked to write a few thoughts on Intellectual Well-Being.
The foundation of Intellectual Well-Being starts with Curiosity: a drive to understand the universe. Embracing curiosity presents opportunities for uncovering hidden aspects of the world surrounding us. When we ask questions or explore unfamiliar topics, the Learning Process propels us forward through the transformation of knowing more than we did.
By analyzing facts objectively, wrestling with preconceived notions and biases, and evaluating different perspectives, Critical Thinking increases our understanding. Through the exploration of new ideas and creative problem-solving, we find methodologies of self-expression through art, music, the composition of knowledge, and the pursuit of truth.
Maintaining Open-Mindedness helps us embrace diverse viewpoints. Being Open-Minded doesn’t mean abandoning our viewpoint, it means having the courage to explore a viewpoint which differs from ours.
These components comprise Intellectual Well-Being: Curiosity, Critical Thinking, and Open-Mindedness. Honing these skills requires cultivation but the benefits are worth the effort. Purposeful development can lead to better cognition, improved memory, clearer concentration, and mental flexibility. Continuous learning helps reduce risks for dementia, and when coupled with physical activity, seems to stave off a variety of cognitive problems as you age. Intellectual Growth also helps deepen our self-awareness and understanding of our core values and beliefs.
Though the pursuit is worthwhile, improving our Intellectual Well-Being doesn’t have to be difficult. Reading regularly, engaging with new topics, playing games of strategy, solving logic puzzles, pondering riddles, can all help improve mental functioning. Even taking up new hobbies or engaging with peers in book clubs or discussion groups can help improve cognitive functioning. Plus, even if none of this adds a lick of capacity to the old noodle, you may end up having fun along the way, and there’s nothing wrong with having a little fun!
To learn more about how to take charge of your intellectual wellness, read the latest edition of Prime Connections.
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