Join neuroscientist Daniel Levitin, author of "The Changing Mind," and journalist Camilla Cavendish as they challenge stereotypes about aging. They discuss how the new 'young-old' are defying mental decline, emphasizing brain health through practical habits. Forgetfulness is debunked as a universal experience rather than a sign of deterioration. The duo also highlights the benefits of learning from multi-generational wisdom and how gratitude and sleep can enhance emotional well-being, proving that age can be a time of opportunity.
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insights INSIGHT
Memory and Aging
Memory decline in old age is a myth, as seen in lost keys.
Older adults blame age, while younger adults attribute it to other factors.
insights INSIGHT
Aging Effects
Physical attributes like strength, bone mass, and muscle mass decline with age.
Processing speed slows after 40, but pattern recognition and empathy improve.
insights INSIGHT
Multi-Generational Teams
Multi-generational teams combine younger people's dynamism with older people's experience.
Older people are better at conflict resolution and predicting outcomes.
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In 'Extra Time', Camilla Cavendish explores the global demographic shift where people aged 65 and over outnumber children under five. She argues for a positive approach to ageing, utilizing technology, community, and anti-ageing strategies to revolutionize the second half of life. The book challenges taboos around ageing and suggests ways for governments, businesses, and individuals to adapt to this new reality.
The Changing Mind
A Neuroscientist's Guide to Ageing Well
Daniel Levitin
In *The Changing Mind*, Daniel Levitin challenges common beliefs about aging by highlighting its cognitive benefits. He draws on cutting-edge research to offer practical tips for enhancing cognition across every decade of life. The book explores how decision-making improves with age and how happiness peaks in the eighties, providing insights into successful aging.
We tend to associate old age with deterioration, especially of our mental powers and memory. But today we are seeing a new cohort of the so-called young-old, people in their sixties, seventies and beyond, who are still healthy, active and fully engaged with life. Neuroscientist and bestselling author Daniel Levitin is at the forefront of research to find out how to lead a long and healthy life and in 2020 he came to the Intelligence Squared to share the findings of his book The Changing Mind: A Neuroscientist’s Guide to Ageing Well. Joining Levitin was Camilla Cavendish, award-winning journalist and campaigner, who has travelled the world interviewing leading experts for her book Extra Time: 10 Lessons for an Ageing World. This is the first part of a three-part interview. Join us for more in the following episode.
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