Your Brain On

Your Brain On... Presidential Aging

Apr 3, 2024

Neuroscientist Dr. Charan Ranganath challenges the notion of age as a barrier to effective leadership. Discussions cover various memory types, cognitive resilience in older age, historic figures' contributions, and the power of cognitive reserve. Longevity expert Dan Buettner joins to explore the benefits of having older leaders. The podcast delves into memory complexities, strategies for maintaining cognitive health, and the future of memory research.

33:20

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Charan Ranganath

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Quick takeaways

Memory changes in aging are natural and brains adapt by prioritizing semantic memory over episodic memory.

Engaging in physical exercise and pursuing passions can enhance neural connections, contributing to cognitive resilience in older individuals.

Deep dives

The Debate on Presidential Candidates' Age

The unprecedented age of the two leading presidential candidates in the 2024 US election, President Biden and former President Trump, has sparked heated debates. Supporters on both sides weaponize video clips showing cognitive lapses to question their competency. Neuroscientists like Dr. Charan Ranganath challenge the traditional view of aging, emphasizing that memory changes are natural. The podcast reflects on historical examples like Benjamin Franklin as an older figure influencing critical decisions.

Introduction

2min

The Value of Presidential Aging: Lessons from Benjamin Franklin

1min

The Intricacies of Memory and Decision-Making

13min

Unlocking the Potential of Aging Minds

9min

Strategies for Maintaining Cognitive Resilience and Brain Health

2min

Exploring the Future of Memory and Brain Research

6min

The U.S. is set to have its oldest President ever. Should we be worried, or are we thinking about aging the wrong way?

The unprecedented age of the two United States presidential candidates, Biden and Trump, has sparked fiery debates over whether a leader can be ‘too old’ to effectively run a country.

Our guest for this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Charan Ranganath, recently published a New York Times op-ed offering an alternative view: age itself may not be a useful metric for measuring how successfully a president might lead the nation.

In this episode of ‘Your Brain On’, we discuss:

• The different types of memory, and how they work

• How our brains can remain more resilient than is often thought in older age

• Historic figures who have made significant contributions to the world during their twilight years

• The inspiring power of our cognitive reserve

We’re also joined by longevity expert Dan Buettner, renowned for his work on ‘The Blue Zones’ — parts of the world with longer life expectancy — for a conversation about why having an older leader might not be an inherently bad thing.

This is the SEASON ONE FINALE of Your Brain On. Thank you so much for listening! We return in May 2024 with ten more exhilarating stories about the world through a neuroscientific lens.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... Presidential Aging’ • SEASON 1 • EPISODE 10

Daniel Kahneman, the Nobel Prize-winning psychologist and celebrated author, who Dr. Charan Ranganath mentioned during our conversation, sadly passed away the week before we recorded this episode. We dedicate this episode to his memory, and his work.

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LINKS

Dr. Charan Ranganath

His website: https://charanranganath.com/

His new book, ‘Why We Remember’: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/705542/why-we-remember-by-charan-ranganath-phd/

At UC Davis: https://psychology.ucdavis.edu/people/charan

Dan Buettner

His website: https://danbuettner.com/

Blue Zones: https://www.bluezones.com/

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danbuettner

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