The Old Brain Just Gets Better and Better

Sure, the aging brain does lose some of its functions. But, as Sharon Begley describes in a Wall Street Journal article, "The Upside of Aging," older people retain many skills fully as well as younger people and some skills are enhanced. She interviewed scientists who study brain changes over time and reports these astonishing findings.

Semantic memory, which is a collection of facts and figures, seems to be untouched by age. Vocabulary and other verbal abilities, especially for older adults who read, beats any twenty-something. Knowledge relevant to career or hobby also stays intact. Because of the wealth of experience older people have, they develop lots of "cognitive templates" or mental road maps that can be tapped to navigate new challenges better than young people. And the bonuses are not only in cognitive areas. Older people's brains allow them to become more mellow, so they are not so affected by irritations of daily life. This helps them to become more patient and empathic.

What do these findings suggest for people approaching their sixties who are thinking of retiring? You have a world of opportunities open to you. If you have the choice to remain at your job, and you are stimulated by your work, then stay there as long as it remains pleasureable. If you want to downshift, you have the brain power to do any number of challenging and inspirational activities. You can choose among learning, leadership, consulting, entrepreneurial or mentoring activities as well as purely recreational ones.

What have been your experiences about how your mind operates as you've gotten older? Click on the Comment button below and share your thoughts.