Daniel Levitin, a neuroscientist and author known for works like 'This Is Your Brain on Music', joins for a fascinating discussion about aging and productivity. He emphasizes the importance of externalizing memory and living conscientiously for successful aging. Levitin links cognitive clarity to motivation and advocates for continuous learning to sharpen the mind. They also reflect on the challenges of sustaining human connections in a virtual world, exploring how personal experiences shape our understanding of cognitive health.
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insights INSIGHT
GTD and Neuroscience
David Allen's GTD principles are validated by neuroscience.
Externalizing memory and conscientiousness are key for successful aging.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Keys to Successful Aging
Externalize your memory by using physical reminders.
Cultivate conscientiousness for a healthy aging brain.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Inspiration for "Successful Aging"
Daniel Levitin wrote "Successful Aging" after struggling to find a similar book for his parents.
He wanted to make scientific findings about aging accessible to the public.
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A Neuroscientist Explores the Power and Potential of Our Lives
Daniel J. Levitin
In 'Successful Aging', Daniel J. Levitin explores the science behind aging, using research from developmental neuroscience and the psychology of individual differences. He reveals resilience strategies and practical, cognitive-enhancing tricks to help people age joyously. The book confirms that 'health span' is more important than 'life span', and it proves that sixty-plus years is a unique and newly recognized developmental stage. Levitin emphasizes the importance of social interaction, healthy practices, and meaningful work or volunteering to maintain mental and physical well-being. The book is divided into three parts: 'The Continually Developing Brain', 'The Choices We Make', and 'The New Longevity', providing a comprehensive approach to aging positively.
The organized mind
Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload
Daniel J. Levitin
In 'The Organized Mind', Daniel J. Levitin uses the latest brain science to explain how the brain can organize the flood of information in the Information Age. The book is divided into three parts, focusing on attention, practical advice for organizing various areas of life, and looking to the future. Levitin discusses the importance of attention, the costs of multitasking, and methods such as using 3x5 index cards and designated places to improve organization. He also addresses topics like time management, decision-making, and the impact of modern technology on our cognitive abilities[1][3][4].
This Is Your Brain on Music
The Science of a Human Obsession
Daniel Levitin
In this book, Daniel J. Levitin delves into the relationship between music and the human brain. He argues that music is fundamental to human nature, possibly even more so than language. Levitin draws on the latest research and uses musical examples from Mozart to Van Halen to explain how composers create pleasurable effects, why we are emotionally attached to the music of our youth, and the role of practice in musical expertise. He also explores why certain jingles get stuck in our heads and how music coordinates various parts of the brain. The book is an insightful investigation into the science behind our obsession with music.
David Allen interviewed Daniel Levitin several years ago after the publication of The Organized Mind. In this interview, David talks with Daniel about his new book, Successful Aging: A Neuroscientist Explores the Power and Potential of Our Lives. They begin by discussing the neuroscientific basis for GTD. Then Daniel explains that there are two principles from GTD that are crucial for successful aging. They are 1) externalizing your memory, and 2) living conscientiously. He says that when you become more conscientious, you are rewiring your brain in beneficial ways. They also talk about how learning new things is helpful for your brain. You can find out more about Daniel on his website. He is also on several social media channels. InstagramTwitterFacebook
You can listen to the entire conversation from July 2020 at GTD Connect®.
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