The secret life of the grown-up brain
by Barbara Strauch · first published 2010
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4HN commenters
2011–2022first – last mentioned
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In her impeccably researched book, science writer Barbara Strauch explores the latest findings that demonstrate, through the use of technology such as brain scans, that the middle-aged brain is more flexible and more capable than previously thought. By detailing exactly the normal, healthy brain functions over time, Strauch also explains how its optimal processes can be maintained.
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Whilst I agree with the title of this post, it would be nice to have some evidence, or at least some examples of the sort of things that experience brings. Related: "The Secret Life of the Grown Up Brain" is an interesting book looking at what works and does not work in the middle-aged brain (defined as being 40s, 50s, 60s): http://www.amazon.com/The-Secret-Life-Grown-up-Brain/dp/0670...
on “Old Farts Know How to Code” ↗This is some highlight from the book "The Secret Life of the Grown Up Brain" by Barbara Strauch Neuroscientists found that: * Longitudinal studies shows cognitive skills peak at middle age. * Older people are happier. As one ages, they become calmer, more positive, and being…
on “Pervasive myths about older software developers” ↗…with consistency. (One way people do this is with a carefully-chosen new routine.) As far as aging goes, its impacts are more diverse than I thought, according to a really interesting book called "The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain: The Surprising Talents of the Middle-Aged Mind." Aging brains really haven't been studied until recently, and newer research (cited in the book) suggests that in some ways the brain improves at certain…
on “Ask HN: Aging and learning. Does it become more difficult?” ↗I drew a lot of inspiration from a similar article by a science writer at the New York Times (summarized in "The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain".) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0030CVRU2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=... The basic theory is that young brains soak up experience, while older brains consolidate it. So older brains can make bigger leaps…
on “Many Older Brains Have Plasticity, but in a Different Place” ↗The article is essentially a brief synopsis of a book by the same author, <i>The Secret Life of the Grown-up Brain: The Surprising Talents of the Middle-Aged Mind</i>.
on “Brain Functions That Improve with Age” ↗A few years ago the New York Times' science writer published a book called "The Secret Life of the Grown-up Brain: The Surprising Talents of the Middle-Aged Mind. She summarized the latest medical research, which was concluding that brain performance didn't really taper off as we aged, and there were actual spikes…
on “Dr John Goodenough’s story suggests some people become more creative with age” ↗Yeah, I came here to say: Exercise. I was just reading a book called "The Secret Life of the Grown-up Brain: The Surprising Talents of the Middle-Aged Mind." One chapter discusses the 21st-century discovery of the brain's ability to create new brain cells in a crucial area....after exercise. It ran counter…
on “Ask HN: Ways to Improve Cognition?” ↗