MISC MARKET NOTES

One of the things I love best about our M@D Market is wonderful give and take between our vendors and customers. On any given pickup Friday there’s going to be multiple people present usually having lively conversations about something. I think all of us who’ve hung around can remember something significant that has enriched our lives.

For this manager one of those conversations inspired me to join the sourdough cult. I say cult because I frequently find my thoughts in that realm: “did I feed the starter today”, “what am I going to do with all this discard”, and “I’d like to try that design or that recipe”. While it’s been a fun and tasty adventure, it’s also been frustrating and discouraging at times. Perhaps the main thing I’ve learned is that there are principals that must be respected but there are no hard and fast rules.

Bread aside, loving to learn is the gift that keeps on giving. We all understand how important it is for children and young adults, but perhaps it best serves those of us 60 and above as it creates resilient cognitive abilities. In one study researchers tested the verbal working memory of older adults (average age 66) compared to younger adults (average age 22) simply by having them determine if pronouns in sentences were used correctly. Besides doing as well and sometimes better than younger adults there was evidence that older adults used additional brain regions with cognitive activities.

Other research has found that continuing education adds to cognitive resiliency. Learning new things helps the brain create new neural pathways associated with problem solving and memory.
What it all means is that intellectual ability doesn’t necessarily decline as you age and that lifelong learning is important for continued mental health and wellness.

Even simple activities like reading a book or watching a documentary can help with:

1. Increased Neuron Generation. Lifelong learning has been found to stimulate greater neuron generation and connection in the brain. Neurons are responsible for sending information throughout the body and when this is improved, it positively affects memory, attention, thinking, and reasoning skills.
2. Reduced Risk of Forms of Dementia. This greater neuron generation can maintain and enhance brain health. Activities like learning a new language and mastering a new gardening technique are cognitively stimulating and may reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
3. Improved Ability to Handle Challenges. Simply reading a book or practicing an instrument can decrease muscle tension and blood pressure. Lower stress levels can help you better cope with challenging situations and changes in life.
4. More Socialization. One of the best parts of lifelong learning is it can be done with others! Learning courses, discussion groups, and book clubs can spark social interaction that is intellectually engaging and helps you avoid depression and isolation.

MOTHER’S DAY OPEN HOUSE is Saturday, May 11! Mark your calendar and plan to join us on this special day! Many of our vendors will be set up on site and in person.

We look forward to seeing you next Friday at one of our pickup locations. Thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!