THE CHALLENGE OF AGING – INTELLECTUAL STIMULATION

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) While the body may deteriorate as we age we must make every effort to stimulate our minds intellectually. It is so easy to become lazy, not only physically, but also intellectually. As we strive to exercise our bodies we should strive to exercise our minds. My high school motto was mens sana in corpore sano: a healthy mind in a healthy body (Juvenal).

While fitness centers abound in the market place, and have become meeting places for social interaction there is a need for classes for continuing education. I have benefited from courses that have equipped me in staying technologically relevant, learning how to communicate through social media and computer updates. I subscribe to at least 14 daily email blogs to keep current on news and opinion. I still take two newspapers and several magazines.

Currently, my daily schedule includes reading a passage from the Bible using Scripture Union, Encounter with God notes, several Psalms and a devotional commentary on them by Alec Motyer, and a chapter from E.A. Litton’s, Introduction to Dogmatic Theology. I write a summary of my thoughts on them in a Journal and note any items from the previous day that are worth remembering. During the year when I participate in Community Bible Study I complete the weekly preparation lesson. I check the business news, my finances and pay any bills. It takes me some time to read through my emails and reply to any that need attention. I try to keep current with the national and international news.

A couple of times a week I compose a post for my blog, and work on a Bible study for a class I may teach in the future. I enjoy reading history, biography, theology, history, and some historical fiction. I have access to the University of North Florida Library which has a great collection.

Conversations with my wife are always intellectually stimulating. She enjoys reading a wide array of literature and biography and has a keen interest in Victorian studies, Christian biography and art history. We discuss everything we are reading and our perspectives on current affairs and relationships. She has a fine mind and has taught many Bible studies, led many discussion groups and is working on a book on Charlotte Bronte. Her own library is quite extensive in nineteenth century literature. I am always challenged by her insights. I have learned much from her over the years and have benefited from her counsel.

While we live a comparatively quiet life at this stage we have a rich intellectual and spiritual life. Long may it continue, God willing.