While writing this article, I couldn’t forget the lyrics from Alphaville’s song: “Forever young, I want to be forever young.” Today, the desire to reach a hundred and beyond while keeping body, mind, and soul vibrant aligns with lifestyle movements like biohacking. The drive to separate ageing from age, stay youthful, and break societal stereotypes prompts us to ask important questions. Is the idea of “Forever Young” about strong genes, inner philosophy, or deliberate efforts to reach old age with vitality shining from our eyes? We discussed longevity with three Lithuanians, experts in the fields: Gediminas Baltulionis, Ph.D. in Biological Engineering and a researcher; Ernesta Remouchamps, psychologist and psychotherapist; and Gabija Toleikyte, Ph.D. in Neuroscience, business, and career coach.

Interview by VIOLETA BUDREVIČIŪTĖ

GABIJA TOLEIKYTE – Ph.D. in Neuroscience, business and career coach working with companies and research centres in the UK. Gabija offers consultations on a wide range of life topics, from leadership and business to personal goals and relationships. She is a founder of MY BRAIN DURING THE DAY.

We can see how our bodies age, but how do our brains age?

The brain is composed of numerous cells called neurons, which form complex networks. Each network is responsible for a specific function. In childhood, we form millions of these networks. Interestingly, the brain grows most rapidly upuntil around age three, after which growth slows down. By the age of six, the size of the brain is set. So, technically, our brain’s size remains about the same as a first-grader's. The brain is like a muscle that adapts with use, similar to lifting weights, and it changes based on what we engage in – for instance, by trying to memorize large amounts of new information. However, stimulating brain changes doesn’t only come from studying. The brain is also activated by travel, conversations with new people, engaging in new activities, learning languages, driving, juggling, knitting, and so on. Through experience, the neural networks we use most frequently grow stronger, while those we don’t use weaken. For example, we gradually forget foreign language vocabulary if we don’t practice it. The same happens with memory – networks that aren’t used weaken over time, so as we age, we may start forgetting certain events or confusing them with others.

How can we keep our brains as active as possible?

Theoretically, our ability to form new neural networks (known as neuroplasticity) is possible throughout our lives. However, this potential increases when we learn new things, visit new places and meet new people. Stress, loneliness, and a passive lifestyle reduce this potential. To keep our brains healthy and adaptable, it’s important to maintain a physically active lifestyle, spend time with friends or family, and continually learn new things.

Can the brain of someone over fifty be as productive as a young person’s?

It largely depends on the context – how much stress we’re under, whether we enjoy our job and the quality of our relationships. The brain functions best when we’re relaxed, doing meaningful work, and surrounded by people who accept us as we are. When we’re able to create such a life, there’s no limit to productivity. However, if we’re working in a job we dislike, it can take constant effort and motivation to get things done. Mental health also plays a significant role in productivity – feelings of anxiety or episodes of depression can be impactful factors. To improve productivity, it’s essential to assess one’s situation realistically by asking, "What is possible for me personally at this stage?" and setting goals based on those answers. Comparisons with others, societal expectations, or even neuroscience-based advice can become major sources of stress, which negatively affect productivity.

How do you interpret the idea of “Forever Young”?

To me, the forever young lifestyle is about maintaining a sense of curiosity, a desire to understand oneself and the world, and a continuous pursuit of meaningful adventures.

Where and how do you see yourself at an advanced age?

As the same free spirit I am now – cycling through traffic, writing meaningful books, attending new dance classes, taking beach holidays (maybe even learning to surf!), and spending lots of time with my family, students, and like-minded friends. My husband, Matthew, and I have no plans to retire – we both work in fields we love and want to keep doing what we enjoy for as long as possible.

Lithuanian Business Link. This project is partially funded by the Lithuanian Media Support Fund.