Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Viking Adult (2010), Edition: 1, Hardcover, 256 pages
Description
In her impeccably researched book, science writer Barbara Strauch explores the latest findings that demonstrate, through the use of technology such as brain scans, that the middle-aged brain is more flexible and more capable than previously thought. By detailing exactly the normal, healthy brain functions over time, Strauch also explains how its optimal processes can be maintained.
Media reviews
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Strauch spotlights a cornucopia of research studies indicating that, contrary to popular belief, the human brain’s ability to function may very well reach its peak between the ages of 40 and 65. HC. 256pp. 2010.
User reviews
LibraryThing member bragan
Barbara Strauch, examining the scientific research currently being done on understanding human brains as they age, concludes that the news is, in general, surprisingly good. Middle-aged brains may be a little slower than younger ones, she says, and subject to problems such as lapses of memory, but
The science she cites here, it should be noted, is mostly very preliminary and speculative. After all, as Strauch points out, it hasn't been very long that we've even thought of middle age as a separate stage of life, let alone made a special study of it. So I'm inclined to take her optimistic thoughts on the subject with a small grain of salt. But it is interesting, and some of it sounds very promising.
As someone currently hovering on the cusp of 40 -- roughly the age at which the middle years are said to begin -- I'm not sure I really find it all quite as reassuring as she means it to be, though. The examples she offers of people who feel better and smarter and happier in middle age than they did in their youth all seem to be the kind of ambitious, successful folks with challenging jobs and busy social lives who already make me feel slightly inferior. The niggling thought that just possibly their lifestyle also makes their brains fitter and less likely to deteriorate with age than mine isn't helping my mild fear of facing the big four-oh. And as for the kind of lapses that she describes as hallmarks of normal middle age -- distractibility, a tendency to drift off into daydreaming, forgetting names on the tip of your tongue or what you came into a room to do -- well, those are all things I've been subject to my entire life. The thought that I can expect them to get worse is somewhat alarming.
Still, that's probably just me. And maybe next year when that middle-aged optimism kicks in, I'll feel differently about it, anyway.
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in other areas we actually improve with age, becoming calmer, more competent, more optimistic, and better at big-picture thinking. Better still, the psychological difficulties of middle age, such as the infamous mid-life crisis or the empty nest syndrome, are more myth than science. And while the possibility of dementia always haunts us as we age, there may well be things we can do to help keep our brains young and fit.The science she cites here, it should be noted, is mostly very preliminary and speculative. After all, as Strauch points out, it hasn't been very long that we've even thought of middle age as a separate stage of life, let alone made a special study of it. So I'm inclined to take her optimistic thoughts on the subject with a small grain of salt. But it is interesting, and some of it sounds very promising.
As someone currently hovering on the cusp of 40 -- roughly the age at which the middle years are said to begin -- I'm not sure I really find it all quite as reassuring as she means it to be, though. The examples she offers of people who feel better and smarter and happier in middle age than they did in their youth all seem to be the kind of ambitious, successful folks with challenging jobs and busy social lives who already make me feel slightly inferior. The niggling thought that just possibly their lifestyle also makes their brains fitter and less likely to deteriorate with age than mine isn't helping my mild fear of facing the big four-oh. And as for the kind of lapses that she describes as hallmarks of normal middle age -- distractibility, a tendency to drift off into daydreaming, forgetting names on the tip of your tongue or what you came into a room to do -- well, those are all things I've been subject to my entire life. The thought that I can expect them to get worse is somewhat alarming.
Still, that's probably just me. And maybe next year when that middle-aged optimism kicks in, I'll feel differently about it, anyway.
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LibraryThing member herbcat
This book give some hope and reassurance to the middle aged who fear losing their intelligence. This research suggests that the middle-aged may lose some speed and use of memory cells but develop new thinking and reasoning skills in the place of previous talents. Therefore, the middle aged
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generally make better managers and decision makers. Show Less
LibraryThing member lindap69
It was good to hear that I am smarter, more optimistic and still able to cultivate brain cells and connections even as I age. There is a lot of data shared in an easy-to-read style - but now I have to hurry out and exercise, eat less but better and of course continue to read and learn.
LibraryThing member terran
As I approached my seventieth birthday, I had many concerns about the effects of aging on my brain. I feel much better about my future thought processes after reading Barbara Strauch's book. The book is very readable and encouraging, particularly because it is based on scientific research. As we
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age we lose some brain cells and gain others. We have better judgment and often are more creative. Strauch explains that the strengths of experienced people in their 50s (men and women continue to improve mentally through their 50s and into their 60s). She also debunks such myths as the "midlife crisis," and the "empty nest." I highly recommend this book, for people of all ages. It is encouraging to hear something positive about aging, rather than the constant harping on age-reversal. Show Less
LibraryThing member Silvernfire
Strauch discusses all sorts of interesting studies of the middle-aged brain without losing the reader in too much specialized vocabulary (although I found myself wanting a pronunciation guide for "dentate gyrus"). Her message is generally positive: although the brain does show some wear and tear by
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your forties and later, it's more efficient, continues to grow and adapt, and while you'll lose some names, you'll gain some wisdom and emotional equilibrium. I was somewhat disappointed by the third section (about what you can do to keep your brain healthy as long as possible), mostly because it's almost all guesswork at this point, and I'm an impatient soul who wants definitive answers. Aerobic exercise: good. Blueberries: maybe they help. Socializing? Learning to play piano? Maybe. Probably. Really, it's too soon to know. It's not Strauch's fault that this research is only in the beginning stages, but it was frustrating. Basically, this is a quick and informative read that's likely to leave you feeling at least somewhat reassured about middle age. Show Less
LibraryThing member Devil_llama
A look at the science of the brain to determine what happens to the brain as we get older. Much of it is better news than we thought, though of course not all rosy. The author writes with an easy style, and doesn't load the work down with a lot of highly technical jargon, so it will be accessible
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to most readers of high school level or beyond. There are some things that make the book a bit questionable from a science standpoint, however. When discussing what to do to increase our own ability to move toward old age without showing signs of dementia, she picks up on every possible concept, throwing around ideas about antioxidants and free radicals, and attributing powers to food that have not been demonstrated to work. Although she does make a point of stating that much of this is in its infancy, she gives short shrift to a growing body of literature that actually conflicts with the findings, and doesn't do a good job of discussing the critical side of the story. Oh, and on a purely style issue: there are a number of cringe-inducing places where the author will say something along the line of: "the brain also.....as well." Ouch. Call an editor. Show Less
LibraryThing member EowynA
The book was recommended by a friend, so I picked it up. The chapter titles give a good indication of what the book covers. Part I: The Powers That Be, 1- Am I Losing my Mind?: Sometimes, but the Gains Beat the Losses, 2- The Best Brains of Our Lives: A Bit Slower, but So Much Better, 3- A Brighter
The first chapter was an introduction, and seemed rather general, so I was not impressed. But as I got further in, the book captured me with discussions about how the brain changes over time, and what a "middle aged brain" is capable of. There are cited studies from several fields, and the end has sources arranged by chapter. I ended the book quite impressed, and somewhat reassured about the changes I see in my own perceptions. 5 stars.
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Place: I'm so Glad I'm Not Young Any More, 4- Experience, Judgement, Wisdom: Do We Really Know What we are talking about?, 5 - The Middle in Motion: The Midlife Crisis Conspiracy. Part II: The Inner Workings, 6 - What Changes With Time: Glitches the Brain Learns to Deal With, 7- Two Brains are Better Than One: Especially Inside One Head, 8- Extra Brainpower: A Reserve to Tap When Needed, Part III: Healthier Brains, 9- Keep Moving and Keep Your Wits: Exercise Builds Brains, 10 - Food for Thought: And a Few Other Substances as Well, 11- The Brain Gym: Toning Up Your Circuits.The first chapter was an introduction, and seemed rather general, so I was not impressed. But as I got further in, the book captured me with discussions about how the brain changes over time, and what a "middle aged brain" is capable of. There are cited studies from several fields, and the end has sources arranged by chapter. I ended the book quite impressed, and somewhat reassured about the changes I see in my own perceptions. 5 stars.
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LibraryThing member decaturmamaof2
I enjoyed this book, and thought the information was very interesting. My one peeve about the book was that the sections were sometimes repetitive. Not sure if it was pieced together from a series of articles, but often, a series of paragraphs would repeat / restate the same idea or concept. I
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think that Strauch did a good job making the information about the brain research accessible to the non-scientist audience. Show Less
LibraryThing member PDCRead
Interesting look at the brain as it ages
Original publication date
2010-04-15
Physical description
256 p.; 8.56 inches
ISBN
0670020710 / 9780670020713
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