Creative corner
Article by Beth Cuthbert, photo by Jane Berry
According to Dr. Jane Berry, Professor of Psychology at the University of Richmond and recognized expert in the field of cognitive aging, the single most important way to keep the human brain functioning at the highest level throughout life is aerobic exercise. Of course, everyone should also follow the usual advice: don’t smoke; maintain an appropriate weight; drink only in moderation; eat healthy foods; monitor your health status; maintain gratifying social relationships; get enough sleep; and engage in intellectually stimulating activities.
With undergraduate and graduate degrees from Washington University in St. Louis, Dr. Berry was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship in gerontology at the University of Michigan and later spent four years as an assistant research psychologist at the University of California at Berkeley. In 1991, she began her career in the Psychology Department at the University of Richmond.
At present, Dr. Berry is in the middle of a six-year term as MacEldin Dunn Trawick Professor in Psychology. This prestigious appointment comes with an annual stipend that supports her research and her attendance at national conferences and workshops. It also allows her to appoint three postdoctoral fellows who serve consecutive two-year terms and collaborate with her on current research.
Teaching is Dr. Berry’s primary focus during the school year. She finds it particularly gratifying to mentor students who have become interested in the subject of aging. She enjoys watching them develop their own hypotheses and then testing them against empirical evidence derived from carefully designed studies. Under her guidance, students learn about the complex work required to prepare and complete a scientific study including: the importance of framing good questions, collecting sound data, and careful proofing, analysis, and interpretation of data.
Dr. Berry spends her summers conducting studies, performing research, and writing papers for presentation at conferences and for publication. On occasion, she has recruited Osher members to participate in some of her research projects. Osher members have also assisted Dr. Berry in the classroom by agreeing to be interviewed by students who learn about adulthood and aging first-hand from individuals in the community.
A self-described workaholic, Dr. Berry has found time to enjoy her favorite leisure activities: singing, camping, piano, guitar, cooking, gardening, yoga, and a book supper club. She is a past member of the University of Richmond Women’s Chorale. Her daughter, Emily, lives in Washington, D.C. where she works for the Children’s Defense Fund. Dr. Berry and her husband, Allen, live in Bon Air and dote on their rescued blue-tick coonhound, Belle.
Dr. Berry’s advice to Osher members is straightforward. Keep a positive attitude. Take inventory of what you do and don’t like to do. Then take time to do those things you most enjoy. Put your failures and regrets behind you. Don’t dwell on the past or things you can’t change. Remember, it is never too late to turn a new page.
Keep in mind that human relationships and social engagement are extremely important in life, especially for the elderly. This doesn’t necessarily mean you must have lots of friends. Some people are naturally more introverted than others. It is essential, however, to have at least one or two confidants you can turn to for companionship, support, and advice.
Osher members are always looking for ways to preserve their cognitive health along with their physical abilities. Current research by Denise Park, a psychologist associated with the University of Texas at Dallas, suggests it is important that older adults seek out activities that are intellectually challenging and new to them.
In this regard, Dr. Berry recommends that, as we grow older, we try learning a new skill, be it a foreign language, playing a musical instrument, sewing or painting. Why? Learning to do things we’ve never done before may help increase the speed with which our brains process information and may improve our memories, both of which are essential to successful aging. Besides, she says, it’s just plain fun to try your hand at something new. Just don’t dwell on the mistakes as you pick up a new skill. It’s part of the process of learning!