I have been reading about seniors who have been successful in keeping their minds sharp. The triad of frequent intellectual activity, physical activity and healthy eating promotes brain health and super aging. Since our lifespans are longer, I think we can all agree that it would be much preferable to be able to enjoy the extra time with both a healthy brain and a healthy body.

So I was surprised to learn that I am currently my piano teacher’s oldest student at 46 years old.  I am past middle age if you consider my family history of life expectancy. I take a lot of pride that I am learning something new but it is also torturous, frustrating, humbling, and exhausting.  I could go on and on. I think my piano teacher could also add some descriptive words as well to our experience of working together.  I have been working on the same 14 measures of Bach’s Minuet for the past 3 months. My daughters can now hum the Minuet in their sleep better than I can play it. The bright side is that I will have one song in my piano repertoire and it was written by Bach.  Wow, that makes me so happy.

Reading an article in The New York Times on “How to Become a ‘Superager'” gives me even more motivation to persevere.

Superagers are like Marines: They excel at pushing past the temporary unpleasantness of intense effort. Studies suggest that the result is a more youthful brain that helps maintain a sharper memory and a greater ability to pay attention.

So I am inspired to push past the pain and frustration. I will keep practicing for both my emotional health and my brain health. And hopefully I will beat the record of 82 years old for my piano teacher’s oldest student ever.

And as of yesterday, my piano teacher taught me another 4 measures.  Hooray.