'The Mature Mind, The Positive Power of the Aging Brain' by Dr Gene Cohen - was a requested read and OH BOY - it was a fantastic insight into Cohen's research and ideas for this 'Healthy Aging Population'.
Throughout the book - Cohen discusses various stages of the 'Second Half of Life' which include the 'Inner Push' and 'Wisdom' - which i see as the most important in enabling the exploration and cognitive development to occur in later life. Many stories are shared within the book providing detailed insights in how creativity can develop in various ways.
For Example/
Two elderly individuals needed a taxi or lift back from the middle of town but due to not having enough money they couldn't afford to get home. After alot of discussion and negotiating they arrived home after ordering a pizza and asking to ride home with its delivery service! - This is a fantastic example of how life intelligence and exploration has provided them with alternative suggestions. Would young people come up with the same suggestion?
As i am lucky enough to still have four grandparents i referred to their lives and visions whilst reading this book. Dr.Gene Cohen throughout the book lists ways of keeping the brain active through playing games such as Scrabble, Crosswords, developing the family tree, learning new skills and networking with new friends and groups. My grandparents do all of these things and enjoy life to the max! I certainly believe that if the second half of life's potential is pushed, it can be a time for exploration and growing.
I will leave you with some quots which i feel really sum up the book and thoughts gone into all the programs and organisations which endeavor to provide solutions for this age group:
"To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly'
- Henri Bergson
"Your brain never stops developing and changing. Its been doing it from the time you were an embryo, and it will keep on doing it all your life. And this ability, perhaps, represents its greatest strength"
- James Trefil
"Creativity represents a miraculous coming together of the uninhibited energy of the child with its apparent opposite and enemy:the sense of order imposed by the disciplined adult intelligence"
- Norman Podhoretz
