How to Keep Your Mind Sharp, Clear, and Vibrant On A Shoestring Budget

By Madeline Frank, Ph.D.

What do you enjoy doing for fun? What do you feel passionately about? What makes you smile?


When I was a music student studying in New York City at the Juilliard School I played for the 92nd Y Orchestra to help cover my expenses for school and met Herman Silver, a 75 year old amateur musician who felt passionately about making music. He introduced himself to me the very first day I came to play with the orchestra. He had more energy and enthusiasm than most of the other younger players in the orchestra. He always had such a zest for life too!


On Saturday nights he had chamber music parties where the best musicians in town amateur and professional, ages 20- 80, would come and play the most famous musical pieces in groups of quintets, septets, and octets. We played works by Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Mozart, Brahms, and Beethoven. One of the big attractions to go with the joy of making music was the wonderful food cooked up and placed on a long table during our intermissions. We all had such a good time together.


Herman loved to play music and it kept his mind fresh and vibrant through his mid- 80s. He enjoyed sharing his passion for music with others and Mentoring other musicians to continue his legacy.


My Dad, Dr. Robert J. Frank was a retired medical doctor, land developer and builder. He exercised every day through his mid- 80’s. He would say that he was going to the exercise parlor and that he did not like going but it kept him flexible and moving. He also enjoyed reading detective stories, thrived on solving problems, and enjoyed planting a garden every year.


Dad felt it was important to eat right, watch your weight, and to exercise regularly at least 3 days a week at the minimum.

I recently gave a Lecture /Workshop at the Veterans Hospital for the hospital doctors, nurses, and staff members. This was a Music therapy workshop to assist patient’s recovery. We went to see several patients. A gentleman in his late 60s to early 70’s was in the fourth stage of Alzheimer’s. He was talking in gibberish when we walked in. I asked him to nod if he wanted me to play a Classical piece or to nod for me to play him a jazz piece. He nodded for me to play a Classical piece. I played the Meditation from the Opera Thais by Jules Massenet.


He began to move his arms to the music and then after a few seconds started talking in clear coherent sentences. He told me that he used to play the piano. He was so animated and happy. The Classical piece I played helped him remember. The music gave him a sense of self.


I explained to the medical staff how the patients would benefit from hearing the music they loved best to help them remember and jog their memories. I suggested listening to music for 30 to 45 minutes a day.


What are 7 things you can do to keep your mind sharp, vibrant, and clear?

1) Take a class at the local College, University, or Community Center at a reduced or free price for seniors. They offer courses in many different fields.

2) Learn how to play a musical instrument that you have always wanted to play by taking lessons.

3) Join a club for reading, writing, sewing, knitting, crocheting, dancing or speaking and meet a wonderful group of people who share your interests to stretch and sharpen your mind.

4) Share your expertise on a subject you feel passionately about by becoming a mentor or tutor.

5) Join a Health Club or Gym and exercise at least 3 times a week.

6) Do you enjoy listening to music? Play your favorite music every day for 30- 40 minutes to make you smile, improve your mood, and help you think more clearly.

7) Write a legacy article for you and your family to enjoy.


Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show".

If you need a speaker contact Madeline at mfrankviola@gmail.com.