The Mature Mind: The Positive Power of the Aging Brain

by Gene D. Cohen

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help, Neuroscience

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Kathryn Bashaar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the premise of this book: that the mind can continue to grow and develop in later life. Working memory, and the ability to easily learn new things, does deteriorate some, but the mature mind is better able to make connections, combine social and emotional intelligence with intellect, and use both halves of the brain. In brief, the wisdom that is supposed to come with age is a real thing. I have found that to be true in my 60 years, so the message of this book was affirming and certainly encouraging. But I think I would have been happier to just read an article that summarized the ideas in the book. It was a little repetitive, and went into more scientific detail about the brain than I really cared about.

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[Gary Godefroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s good to read the findings of an expert in the field of aging minds, since mine has been aging for over 76 years. Cohen acknowledges that one’s mind slowly loses alacrity over time. I’ve read that physicists almost never discover anything new by the time they reach 30. Einstein completed his Special and General Theories of Relativity in his 20s and not much after that. However, that’s left brain activity. Cohen says integrating right brain functions such as intuition, artistic creativity, and spatial abilities develop later. Add knowledge, which one only gains over time, and wisdom can develop. He emphasizes the importance of regular exercise and what he calls the “inner push” of creativity. The brain can then continue to develop throughout one’s life. In any case, it does put a positive spin on aging, and I’m not complaining.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Other than intro and 1st chapter, more about possibilities of 2nd half of life living rather than neuroscience. But this book was written 10 years ago ... neuroscience is moving quickly. Appreciated the author's 2nd half of life model: reevaluation; liberation; review; encore ... and positive examples of each. Sadly, Dr. Cohen died in 2009 at age 65 -- would have liked to see where his work would take him. But am thankful for his groundbreaking attention to healthy aging, opening a positive perspective from which others could explore the aging experience beyond Erik Erickson's broad/general "mature age" end-stage.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't really know why it's taken me so long to read this book. I did find it interesting, even though it was a bit dry and science-y in some places (talk of dendrites and neural plasticity and such). I am old enough now to have actually gone through at least Phase I (the midlife reevaluation) of the author's list of the four phases of the second half of life. And I did indeed go through that, which is why I am currently enjoying a second career, since I stopped seeing a viable future in the first one. That I stopped seeing a future there was partially triggered by something I was seeing and experiencing in my career at the time, and which the author writes about:
While most of us accept that wisdom is the special provenance of aging, many people have the reverse view of creativity: they believe it is a flower of youth that blooms less and less frequently as the decades pass.
I was doing a very creative job in my 40's, and I saw this mindset - that only the very young are creative -at work firsthand. And the one thing I knew for certain is that I was not going to get any younger. It seemed prudent to look for another way to make a living for my last few decades of work. This is all to say that I found this book has mirrored a lot of my experiences as I grow older, and I have long maintained, as does the author, that you're never too old to learn. I think the author also has good advice about how to approach retirement, that it is not just a matter of having enough money to retire, but also to be mindful about what you are going to do with more time, more freedom, and all that wisdom.
My only reservation about this book is that it was published almost 20 years ago. It would be great if there could be a revised version with newer research. Or perhaps there's another book written more recently that might cover some of the same ground, but with a more updated list of "Other Useful Resources" (books, internet, agencies) than is listed in this book.. I need to look into that.

[Theresa Southam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for everyone over 50. Here's what's coming and its not what you think. There is lots to be gained for growing older especially with the right attitude. And those myths. Debunk them now!

[Spike Hendrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn't agree more

I totally agree. I'm a vignette writer and story teller at 81. This is the much needed logical encouragement we all must have to happily live longer and get and give the most.

[Barbara Kemp · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was easy to read but there wasn’t much new information in it. He told stories of older people who were still living a good life to prove that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. But as a certified geriatric pharmacist I knew most of it and picked up nothing to improve my own life.

[Scott A Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the second time I read The Mature Mind. This is an exceptional book that challenges preconceived ideas based on the public narrative. In an age preoccupied by youth, this book demonstrates the importance of a more balanced perspective.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick and easy read. Refreshingly positive insight on aging. Life doesn’t end at 40! Lol

[Annette Balter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upbeat summary of neuroscience and aging - you can learn new tricks.

[Varun · Rating 3 out of 5]

An average read with some stories about ppl in golden years and their transformation.
If one is or knows someone near in golden year, its a read that can incite positive emotions

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*
Cohen's innovative text is a fantastic study for anyone seeking to understand their own mind - or the mind of those they love - as aging occurs. Cohen approaches this subject with a positive outlook and makes an excellent case for not only empowering ourselves and those around us, but not being confined by outdated research on how the aging brain works. This provides positive and practical insight for readers of all ages.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excerpt: page 55..."In the course of conducting studies with PET scans and magnetic resonance imaging, scientists noticed something unexpected going on in the brains of older adults. When, for example, young adults retrieve a specific word from memory, they usually use mostly the left side of their brain. Older adults doing the same task, however, often use both hemispheres. This phenomenon has been found with other tasks too, such as face recognition, working memory, and certain types of perception. The part of the brain examined in these studies is the prefrontal cortex in both hemispheres, a region that lies just behind the forehead. Much of this work has been described by Roberto Cabeza, of the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at Duke University, He calls the phenomenon "hemispheric asymmetry reduction in older adults" --dubbed HAROLD for short."

I have no idea if, despite using both sides of my old brain, this is pure science. I just like it, and 2 more facts: 1) the good Mr. Cabeza's last name, and the use of the acronym HAROLD, which is my cousin's coffee shop church's deity. We all know older people are wiser; now we know it's because they're using both sides of their brains!

[Jane]

Picked this book up fairly cheap. I actually heard the author speak once which was a positive experience. I liked his presentation which covered some of the information I believe is in this book. Lent the book to a neighbor who really liked it.

[Cheryl]

A gift from my wonderful son-in-law getting his doctorate in cognitive science. A must read for everyone over 50. Loved the intro quote since it captures all the difficulty traversing the myths of aging. Here's to a much more hopeful, wondrous reality! THANK YOU, JOSH!

[Tea Holmstrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the cases were infuriating but this book explains why I feel better at problem solving, am more empathic and understand complicated entities better than before. It gives hope to us middle aged people and gives us a reason to keep pushing our intellectual limits.

[leda · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is reason to be optimistic about our aging brain. Contrary to commonly held belief the brain does not inevitably decline.

[Tirza Laluyan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bu Mimi recommend this book...
She said I should read & have a copy of it

[Adair Maller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good news for us with aging minds! Cohen dispels many myths and provides support and opportunity for mental development in later life.

[Robin Bennett]

I read this book because of the book "Elizabeth is Missing". That book scared the bejeebers out of me, and I wanted to learn ways to preserve my mind as I get older. It includes a summary of learning styles (always a good reminder) and a four-quadrant tool to help plan a balanced life. The anecdotes were comforting to me as I near the cliff of retirement, that it is possible to overcome the "lack of work" and continue to be fulfilled (I don't know, is that a spoiler?).