The Mature Mind : The Positive Power of the Aging Brain

The Mature Mind delivers good news for those in the second half of life, with an extraordinary account of cutting-edge neuroscience, groundbreaking psychology, fascinating vignettes from history and case studies, and practical advice for personal growth strategies. Gene Cohen, a renowned psychiatrist and gerontologist, draws from more than thirty years of research to show that surprising positive changes in our brains have the powerful potential to enhance, not diminish, our lives after fifty.

The Golden Years are being redefined. The fastest-growing segment of the population, those beyond the age of fifty, are no longer content to simply cope with the losses of age. Mental acuity and vitality are becoming a life-long pursuit. Now, the science of the mind is catching up with the Baby Boom generation. In this landmark book, renowned psychiatrist Gene Cohen challenges the long-held belief that our brain power inevitably declines as we age, and shows that there are actually positive changes taking place in our minds. Based on the latest studies of the brain, as well as moving stories of men and women in the second half of life, The Mature Mind reveals for the first time how we can continue to grow and flourish. Cohen's groundbreaking theory-the first to elaborate on the psychology of later life-describes how the mind gives us "inner pushes" and creates new opportunities for positive change throughout adult life. He shows how we can jump-start that growth at any age and under any circumstances, fine-tuning as we go, actively building brain reserves and new possibilities. The Mature Mind offers a profoundly different and intriguing look at ourselves, challenging old assumptions, raising bold new questions, and providing exciting answers grounded in science and the realities of everyday life.

Annotation The Mature Minddelivers good news for those in the second half of life, with an extraordinary account of cutting-edge neuroscience, groundbreaking psychology, fascinating vignettes from history and case studies, and practical advice for personal growth strategies. Gene Cohen, a renowned psychiatrist and gerontologist, draws from more than thirty years of research to show that surprising positive changes in our brains have the powerful potential to enhance, not diminish, our lives after fifty "Contrary to the long-held belief that our brain power inevitably declines as we age, The Mature Mind argues that there are actually positive changes taking place in our minds. Drawing on a wealth of scientific research, as well as in-depth interviews with older women and men, Gene Cohen, a renowned psychiatrist and gerontologist, reveals for the first time how the mind continues to grow and flourish well into the second half of life."--Jacket The power of older minds Harnessing developmental intelligence The second half of life : phases I & II The second half of life : phases III & IV Cognition, memory, and wisdon Cultivating social intelligence Reinventing retirement Creativity and aging. Discusses the findings of current research which demonstrate that experience and reduced effects of emotion can result in the older brain being more creative and more efficient in certain intellectual tasks