I read somewhere that dancing is one of the best exercises for the brain. I also read about the plasticity of the brain and its ability to create new neurons and pathways  at any age. Could this idea be part of the solution to fewer "senior moments"? I have the added pressure to stay alert because my son is a doctor and at any sign of weakness, his medical training kicks into gear. All joking aside (kinda), the body and brain are a team, so I am always curious about ways to cater to both while still having fun.

So low and behold, last October, I received a notice from my daughter's old dance studio (Soo Dance Unlimited) about an adult beginner tap dance class. Automatically, images of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers flashed in my head - I was on stage with the bright lights, the glittery costume, and the wild applause. Coming back to reality, I realized that learning tap was something that fit my criteria; good for the body and brain but more importantly, it is social and fun. So here I am 10 classes later, tapping, albeit, a little laboured but still an enthusiastic member of "Chrissy's Rockstar Tappers". The combined sound of the group tapping and the lighthearted laughter are food for my soul  as well as my body and mind. I think, Wendy Rose is a good stage name, what do you think?

I am finding that likes, dislikes and desires don't diminish as you age. Plus, there are fewer excuses or inhibitions to hide behind as in years past (kids, job, the need to impress etc.) and even fewer number of years ahead to postpone those desires. If the urge is there, then there is a hidden talent, waiting to be exposed - go after it! Remember age is only a number and you are never fully tapped out until your final curtain call.

The word "retiring", should be retired from a person's vocabulary and replaced with "rewiring". My rewiring began at 57 when I choice to leave the 9 to 5 workforce to enjoy the last third of my life as my own boss. I was never heavily invested in a career or rising up the corporate ladder. Whatever position I took, had to meet the following criteria:

• Worked with my family's schedule
• The job had to have a continual learning curve
• Was located close to home so walking was an option and having one car was never an issue
• I would not be micromanaged and there was room for personal input
• The organization was customer oriented and not all about the bottom dollar
• An opportunity to empower and not enable others was the main vision

Looking back I accomplished that and was able to help with the family expenses as well. At 57, my kids were grown, financially independent; and my husband had only a couple of years until his "rewiring". I jumped ship. I know everyone's situation and goals are different but I looked at my situation. Sure, the house (1912 vintage) is small and a little dated but it is paid for. I can live with my 90's colour scheme and painting techniques (sponge painting will come back). Unfortunately, home renovations are not one of my talents or desires. My perks of being more available to family, friends and myself are my priorities.

My strongest fascination now, as I age, relates to the "big picture" and how we as humans fit in. My human brain will never fully figure out that question but I am open to exploring and rewiring and learning more about myself, through new experiences. My desire is to write about my aging escapades and  hopefully inspire others to head their own expedition of self-discovery.