The Changing Mind: A Neuroscientist's Guide to Ageing Well

(Paperback)

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Description

The neuroscientist and best-selling author of The Organized Mind explains what happens to our brains from womb to tomb. We have long been encouraged to think of old age as synonymous with a decline in skills. Yet recent studies show that our decision making improves as we age, and our happiness levels peak in our eighties. What really happens to our brains as we get older In The Changing Mind, neuroscientist, psychologist and internationally bestselling author Daniel Levitin invites us to dramatically shift our understanding of aging, demonstrating its many cognitive benefits. He draws on cutting-edge research to offer realistic guidelines and practical cognition-enhancing tricks for everyone to follow during every decade of their life, and show us what we all can learn from those who age joyously.

Reviews

The secrets of ageing well ... Daniel Levitin is a distinguished American neuroscientist and this is a serious, evidence-based guide to what really works and why * Sunday Times *
A fact-filled and optimistic guide to ageing well ... Levitin is an invaluable kind of scientist ... The Changing Mind is replete with curious facts ... Optimism is a life-preserver. His book bubbles with it. Levitin makes a strong case for the consolations if not the joys of age -- John Sutherland * The Times *
Optimistic in tone ... Levitin loves to tell stories ... he's a good companion * Evening Standard *
Comprehensive and fascinating insight into the evolving human brain. This book could change your life * Professor Stephen Westaby, author of 'Fragile Lives' *
None of us can afford to ignore Daniel Levitin's The Changing Mind ... The good news is that it's not all downhill: according to Levitin our decision-making skills and happiness levels actually increase in later life * New Statesman *
The idea that your mind has to decline with age is false - and there is plenty we can do to keep it sharp * Telegraph *
Neuroscientist Levitin delves into the multiple-trace theory of memory, the ageing microbiome, fats and the brain, the impacts of neural implants, and the joys of non-retirement. A clear-eyed, insightful overview of the neurophysiological healthspan * Nature *
Delivers welcome news about the ageing brain: it is happier, quicker and often much healthier than you may imagine * New Scientist *
Daniel Levitin's refreshing perspective on ageing will change your opinion on this unique phase of life and challenge the 'slowing down' stereotype. Using a scientific and thoroughly engaging approach, Levitin convinces us that with medical advances alongside positive lifestyle changes described in this book, we can all look forward to older age as a fulfilling and exciting chapter in our lives * Dr Rupy Aujla, author of The Doctors Kitchen *
This is a book that can make things feel a whole lot brighter * Big Issue *
If you're planning to age, read this book. Wise, sensitive, and insightful, Levitin shares the tools that allow you to optimize the process * David Eagleman, author of 'The Brain' *
A wise, insightful, and beautifully-written book on how we can navigate the waters of time. Helpful for readers at any age. * Daniel Gilbert, author of 'Stumbling on Happiness' *
Predictions are perilous, but here's one I can make with certainty: Tomorrow you and I will be older than we are today. That's why you, I, and everyone we know needs this remarkable book. With a scientist's rigour and a storyteller's flair, Daniel Levitin offers a fresh approach to growing older. He debunks the idea that ageing inevitably brings infirmity and unhappiness and instead offers a trove of practical, evidence-based guidance for living longer and better. The Changing Mind is an essential book for the rest of your life. * Daniel H. Pink, author of 'When' and 'Drive' *
A compelling primer on our amazingly dynamic brains and the steps we can all take to harness that potential * Dr Rahul Jandial, author of 'Life Lessons from a Brain Surgeon' *
An uplifting exploration of the brain, and how it does not age as we often fear * Camilla Cavendish, author of 'Extra Time' *

Author Bio

Daniel J. Levitin, PhD, is a neuroscientist, cognitive psychologist, and bestselling author. He trained at Stanford University Medical School, The University of California at Berkeley, and the University of Oregon. He is founding dean of Arts and Humanities at the Minerva Schools at KGI in San Francisco and Professor Emeritus of psychology and neuroscience at McGill University. He is the author of This Is Your Brain on Music, The World in Six Songs, The Organized Mind, and A Field Guide to Lies and Statistics. He divides his time between Montreal and California.