sharper mind, middle age & beyond

A bit of a slog, but worth the read.   A Sharper Mind, Middle Age and Beyond is a 01/19/12 NY Times article that starts out with bleak prospects for the aging brain & ends up about cheerleading it's ability to expand & learn right up to our last moment.  Includes a great bit of insight from the late, great Gene Cohen!

It amazes me how recently we learned that our brains are malleable, even as we inch up in years, that it can be positively influenced by things directly in our control - including our attitudes toward change.  

Am continually amazed that more specialists aren't promoting the benefits of fostering a greater growth mind-set with olders & the elderly.  Are they waiting for scientific data, data that's basically nil because the health & well-being of the elderly are infinitely less lucrative than catering to their debilitations.  Looks like time for an inspired generalist - ME - to step up & get things rolling!