Redefining Memory Decline in Old Age

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Neuroscientist Sonia Lupien's research challenges the common belief of memory decline in older adults by emphasizing the impact of stress on memory performance. The chapter proposes a fairer experiment that shows older adults can perform as well as college students when stress factors are controlled. It discusses societal attitudes towards aging, the development of compensatory mechanisms in old age, and the shift towards optimism and contentment as individuals grow older.

Even with the COVID-19 pandemic, we're living longer, on average, than at any time in history. So why do so many of us act like our last decades are a time to lower our expectations? Neuroscientist and musician Daniel Levitin says old age can be whatever we want it to be. He went deep into the science for his new book, “Successful Aging,” and he’s emerged with some tips.