Successful aging : a neuroscientist explores the power and potential of our lives

Title:

Author:

Levitin, Daniel J., author.

Personal Author:

Levitin, Daniel J., author.

ISBN:

9781524744182

Edition:

First [edition].

Physical Description:

xxv, 498 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Contents:

Introduction -- The continually developing brain. Individual differences and personality ; Memory and your sense of "you" ; Perception ; Intelligence ; From emotions to motivation ; Social factors ; Pain -- The choices we make. The internal clock ; Diet ; Exercise ; Sleep -- The new longevity. Living longer ; Living smarter ; Living better -- Appendix: Rejuvenating your brain.

Abstract:

"Author of the iconic bestsellers This Is Your Brain on Music and The Organized Mind, Daniel Levitin turns his keen insights to what happens in our brains as we age; why we should think about health span, not life span; and, based on a rigorous analysis of neuroscientific evidence, how you can make the most of your seventies, eighties, and nineties today, no matter how old you are now"-- Provided by publisher.

Recent studies show that our decision-making skills improve as we age, and that our happiness levels peak at age eighty-two. Levitin examines the neuroscientific evidence to challenge many of the beliefs that surround aging. He provides realistic plans for how you can make the most of your seventies, eighties, and nineties today-- no matter how old you are now. -- adapted from jacket

Subject Term:

Brain -- Aging -- Health aspects.

Brain -- Aging.

Summary:

Holds:

Available:*

Library	Material Type	Shelf Number	Status
Searching... Main Library	Book	612.82 L666	Searching... Unknown
Searching... Main Library	Book	612.82 L666	Searching... Unknown

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Summary

INSTANT TOP 10 BESTSELLER *New York Times *USAToday *Washington Post *LA Times

"Debunks the idea that aging inevitably brings infirmity and unhappiness and instead offers a trove of practical, evidence-based guidance for living longer and better."
--Daniel H. Pink, author of When and Drive

SUCCESSFUL AGING delivers powerful insights:
* Debunking the myth that memory always declines with age
* Confirming that "health span"--not "life span"--is what matters
* Proving that sixty-plus years is a unique and newly recognized developmental stage
* Recommending that people look forward to joy, as reminiscing doesn't promote health

Levitin looks at the science behind what we all can learn from those who age joyously, as well as how to adapt our culture to take full advantage of older people's wisdom and experience. Throughout his exploration of what aging really means, using research from developmental neuroscience and the psychology of individual differences, Levitin reveals resilience strategies and practical, cognitive enhancing tricks everyone should do as they age.

Successful Aging inspires a powerful new approach to how readers think about our final decades, and it will revolutionize the way we plan for old age as individuals, family members, and citizens within a society where the average life expectancy continues to rise.

Reviews (1)

Kirkus Review

An enthusiastic review of old and new research into the means of extending life.Neuroscientist Levitin (Emeritus, Psychology and Neuroscience/McGill Univ.; A Field Guide to Lies: Critical Thinking in the Information Age, 2016) emphasizes "that it is the interactions of genes, culture, and opportunity that are the biggest determinants of the trajectory our lives take; how our brains will change; and whether or not we'll be healthy, engaged, and happy throughout the lifespan." He adds that since our years are divided into what he calls "healthspan" and "diseasespan," we should aim to prolong the former. As background, he devotes more than half the text to a fine overview of brain function, human physiology, and psychology that supports his point. Good genes are necessary but not sufficient; upbringing and environment play an essential role, and both work best if one takes advantage of opportunities. Real science books have minuscule audiences compared with books that promise the secrets of perfect health; Levitin, a genuine scientist, aims to enjoy the best of both worlds. Some of his breathless prescriptions are old favoriteshappy people live longer; eat mostly plants; have lots of friends; don't retirebut he relies heavily on legitimate science, so readers will encounter life-extenders supported by studies (although not in humans) such as calorie restriction, metformin, and rapamycin, as well as long-in-the-tooth favorites like antioxidants and fish oil, which he advocates for while admitting that recent studies are not impressive. Warning against popular nonsense, the author nevertheless includes a generous selection of nutrients, lifestyles, and pharmaceuticals supported by little more than reasonable theories or obsessively health-conscious colleagues. Levitin seems to underestimate his skill as an educator, and he has written a lucid explanation of brain and body function. His longevity advice has plenty of competition, especially David Sinclair's Lifespan, but this book's breadth is impressive.Excellent popular science in the service of fending off aging. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.