Better with Age

Although the subtitle of this book indicates that it is about the psychology of successful ageing, it is as much about physiology and health more generally. It combines some of the latest scientific research with in-depth interviews with people who have succeeded in ageing successfully, including Maya Angelou, Jared Diamond, John Glenn and John Wooden. The author also recommends that we start thinking seriously about ageing in middle age, and, given the profile of Network members, this book will be of interest to most. There seem to be three main factors: being free of disability or disease, having high cognitive and physical abilities, and interacting with others in meaningful ways; one could add that attitude and corresponding expectations are key. The chapters cover happiness, memory, wisdom, staying sharp, brain training, habits and hobbies, and retiring and rewiring.

We learn that memory becomes more selective with age and that it is more difficult to retrieve items from a crowded library. Older adults are not so good at multitasking and many readers will be familiar with the phenomenon of walking through a door to find something, then forgetting what it was! It seems that walking through doorways can actually trigger forgetting, which is slightly reassuring. There are different forms of wisdom, and considerable benefits to slowing down. We still need challenge and creativity, and walking is not only good exercise but has benefits for the brain. Volunteering enables us to give and be connected, and I was particularly heartened to learn that reading reduces memory decline and the risk of dementia! Another practical tip is to train for balance to reduce the risk of falling - 2 million older Americans end up in the emergency room each year due to fall related injuries (frailty will also be involved). Balance is also generally crucial for successful ageing in mental and emotional terms, including not worrying about what you can't control. A highly readable, engaging and worthwhile book.