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For those of us who lose our car keys and immediately blame our ageing brain, we may need to find another excuse. Because recent evidence suggests that, rather than losing brain cells as we age, we could actually be at our cognitive best.
In her new book, The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain, writer Barbara Strauch suggests that long-held assumptions that our brains are in a state of gradual decline from a youthful peak have been proven untrue.
“The changes that take place as we age give us the best brains of our lives,” she argues. “Middle age adds life experience, better judgement, and perhaps a little wisdom. The brain has learned to recognise the patterns, see then connections, and move quickly to a solution.”
And rather than slowing down as we age, Barbara Strauch argues that – with our brains in full bloom – we should re-think our life patterns.
“It’s time for those in middle age to use their very capable brains to figure out how society needs to adapt to a changing human being and his changing brain,” she argues.
Oliver James also argues that we need to be wary of prejudices surrounding our elderly family members. “Although the decline in some capacities does accelerate more rapidly with old age, particularly physical ones, they are often better than younger people in other respects,” he explains. “For instance, they handle difficulties in relationships more effectively and deal with negative feelings more productively.”
The good news is that there are steps we can take which may protect our minds as we age. “Physical exercise protects the brain, and what we eat may make a difference in brain health,” argues Strauch.
Time to remember where we put that punnet of blueberries. It may be next to the car keys.
Grey Matter: Improving with age
Pippa Strutt, 15th July 2010For those of us who lose our car keys and immediately blame our ageing brain, we may need to find another excuse. Because recent evidence suggests that, rather than losing brain cells as we age, we could actually be at our cognitive best.
In her new book, The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain, writer Barbara Strauch suggests that long-held assumptions that our brains are in a state of gradual decline from a youthful peak have been proven untrue.
“The changes that take place as we age give us the best brains of our lives,” she argues. “Middle age adds life experience, better judgement, and perhaps a little wisdom. The brain has learned to recognise the patterns, see then connections, and move quickly to a solution.”
And rather than slowing down as we age, Barbara Strauch argues that – with our brains in full bloom – we should re-think our life patterns.
“It’s time for those in middle age to use their very capable brains to figure out how society needs to adapt to a changing human being and his changing brain,” she argues.
Oliver James also argues that we need to be wary of prejudices surrounding our elderly family members. “Although the decline in some capacities does accelerate more rapidly with old age, particularly physical ones, they are often better than younger people in other respects,” he explains. “For instance, they handle difficulties in relationships more effectively and deal with negative feelings more productively.”
The good news is that there are steps we can take which may protect our minds as we age. “Physical exercise protects the brain, and what we eat may make a difference in brain health,” argues Strauch.
Time to remember where we put that punnet of blueberries. It may be next to the car keys.
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