Minimizing the Pyramid Effect

As children, we are sponges. We notice many things, ask questions and have a wide interest in the world we experience. As we age we tend to narrow our interests. We’re expected to select a major, to specialize. If we’re not careful a problem surfaces in our later years. We become so narrow and limited that we can’t relate to the larger word. Like a pyramid, we begin with a wide range of interests and narrow to a point.

This was impressed upon me years ago during one of my “teachable moments.” I was having a conversation with a retired faculty member who realized the problem. He had read, taught and breathed theology. He said “I can’t talk with people anymore unless they can talk theology.” He died about two years ago with alzheimers.

I’m trying to expand my interests by reading more subjects, trying new activities, reaching out to interact with new people. I’m experimenting to see if I can transform my pyramid into an hour glass. From some of my reading I’ve discovered that continued learning of new subjects may help delay the onset of dementia. If it does, fine. If it doesn’t then as least I’ll have a grand time with my new experiences, new books and new friends.