Via Optima

When we are young, occasional lapses of memory do not upset us unduly. But as we grow older and faces and names don't come together as they used to, we begin to wonder if perhaps some forms of cerebral degeneration are setting in. Bereft of the sanguine attitudes of youth, a faulty and unreliable memory can make us elderlies become quite anxious and even depressed.

Most problems with memory are usually problems with retrieval. The name we try vainly to recall has not actually been forgotten, but for a variety of reasons, access to it may sometimes be blocked. An analogy can be drawn between how the brain and a computer function. The "hard disk" spinning in our cerebrum, just like the hard disk in a computer, retains every impression made upon it since the day we were born. But just as the data on a disk in a computer eventually becomes fragmented, all of the data inscribed in our brain becomes similarly fragmented and increasingly difficult to retrieve. However, unlike the computer disk, which can easily be defragmented and refreshed, the only option we elderly folk have is simply to remain as cerebrally active as we can be. We must endeavor to keep our retrieval circuits from going dormant. Working at a computer can be a good way to do that.

Like me at 92, my wife Lenore, whose 89th birthday will fall on March 27th, is finding her recently acquired laptop to be a fascinating and stimulating instrument. She uses it now to play solitaire and do crossword puzzles and she is even working on Sudokus. But more importantly, she has already begun to instant message and e-mail her family and friends. At this rate, who knows where in this rapidly expanding cyberworld she will find herself.

Personally, I do believe we will soon discover clinical ways to "optimize" that "C" drive in our brains. Let us join in beseeching God to illuminate our way on the Via Optima.

Comments: domgab85@aol.com

(E-mail me your comments and they will appear here)

Tom Gabriele, Lorna Starkey, Linda Kenney, Loretta Melfi, Julia Gabriele, Christine Stelmack, Allen Gabriele, Paul Cipes

Mom, What a great picture. You look like you've been using computers for as long as any of us. I have to warn you however, the computer can be addictive. Just look at Dad and me. But it can also be the source of great pride and accomplishment. When the computer is working properly, things happen for a reason and the longer you work with it the more predictable and understandable it becomes. It's not magic, it's just one step after another, like B following A or 2 coming after 1. You will find it very relaxing and satisfying, while at the same time it will fill you with joy and excitement. I remember when I first proposed to Dad that he get a computer and start enjoying it's potential, his first reaction was, "I don't want to write any programs." Just look at the joy it provides him now and I'm sure he hasn't written any programs. That same world is now opening up for you. Embrace it and and have a ball. Oh by the way, for those rare times when A follows B and 2 comes before 1, I have some generic swear words you can use. Love you Mom ~ Tom

Go Mom!! You look like a computer pro in the photo. I'm sure you will enjoy using your laptop. Just have fun with it. Love & Kisses ~ Lorna

Mom, You look awesome!!! Little by little you will find your way around the computer. Have fun with it and don't worry about your typing ~ Linda

Mom, You're a natural, not to mention, a beauty too. You and Dad should just keep "Instant Messaging" each other, that way you won't have to worry about him not hearing what you're saying. Love you Momma! ~ Loretta

Great photo--there's promise for us all. I just pray she's not downloading porn or trying any internet dating ~ Julia

I'm so happy to see that Nan is on the computer too. She's 89 and looking just fine!!! Go girl! Watch out Dom, let's just hope she won't find herself in some questionable chat rooms. Keep up the good work. Love, ~ Chrissy

Aunt Lenore, I relate to this conversation about memory lapses with some personal dismay. I think I remember those who I have cared about but sometimes I can’t remember their names or even what they looked like ~ and I find that pretty upsetting. I don’t think I’m in an accelerated state of mental degeneration (Ha!) but finding that there have been people who I have loved and I now can barely remember puts me into a deeply gloomy state. I like the idea that people who I love, remember me (and even as I used to look, which is a whole lot better than I look now - you betcha’). So I don’t have to overly concern myself with memory as a way of holding on to them. And the thought that they, when they think of me, think lovingly of me (possibly a stretch in some cases) that gives me some solace. So Aunt Lenore, you are us. We can’t be who we are without you as part of us. It’s more than just memory, it’s actually who we are. So to hell with remembering this or that. I love you dearly ~ Allen

I just read Allen's comment on Nan's going on the internet. It was very touching. It's amazing how our minds play these tricks on us. I still think of all my cousins as when we were kids - in my mind, none of us age at all. We'll always be kids in our hearts ~ Chrissy

Dom, Interesting! This validates your investment in the extra laptop. But try not to keep bugging Lenore about using it. She will find her own level of involvement. (And I, too, use the computer in a very limited way, much to your dismay.) I continue to do crossword puzzles with a pen and I am not intrigued by Sudoku. So sue me ~ Paul Cipes