How we view our middle years, influences how we experience them. Some describe the late 30s to 50s as a 'midlife crisis' involving drastic changes. However, when we look back at our life, there were indeed changes at different stages.

Change is a normal part of life and change in midlife is no more problematic than any other. Nonetheless, change brings anxiety and what we could do to stay ahead of the game is to consciously think about the major changes we expect to encounter during this period and to actively plan for them. Here we focus on the aspects directly related to our work.

Physical Change. Spotting grey hair or even thinning hair may not be a major problem but a reduction in endurance, the ease of gaining weight and a declining physical ability to conduct our daily tasks at work will trouble many of us. Have you ever faced the embarrassment of being unable run fast when required, of forgetting important leads, or an inability to stay awake through night shifts? At times we may find ourselves slow in response and it also seems difficult for us to learn new skills. Some conditions may also be prevalent like arthritis, creaking joints, fading eyesight or increased snoring. We may find it hard to admit; yet these are all slowly eroding our ability to perform our daily duty.

What can be done?

Exercise & Diet. Some experts estimate that half of the functional losses that set in between the ages of 30 and 70 are attributable to a lack of exercise. Exercise can produce an increase of tolerance of carbohydrates, cause an increase in bone density, and enhance brain function. Brisk exercises like walking for 30 minutes three or four times a week will produce a significant improvement. Diet could also modify the decline. Scientists recommend starting early on a diet rich in fibre and vitamins, low in sugar and cholesterol and free of tobacco. Regular medical care from a physician can also help us sort out conditions and advise lifestyle adaptations or management.

Cognitive Exercise. Our brain is like a muscle. The more cognitive challenges we give ourselves, the more new cells are created in our brain and the stronger the connections among its different regions. The net result is not just reduction in the speed of cognitive loss, but also improvement in our long-term brain functions.

In the next issue, we will continue to talk about dancing with our other changes that come with our work and retirement. Remember, changes could be enjoyable!

Advanced Stress Management Workshop:
Management of Emotions

PSG will organise a workshop on 'Management of Emotions' for participants to gain awareness into the relationship between their own thoughts and emotions, and to learn a set of skills to manage their negative emotions. It will be held on Saturday July 19 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the PSG Hong Kong Office (5/f 111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay). There are 20 vacancies to be filled on a first-come-first-served basis. Register with PSG at 2866-6207.