Book Review: The Mature Mind by Gene Cohen

This is a short sweet wonderful book. Dr. Cohen is well known in the world of creativity and aging, so this is a great addition to his work. The focus is on brain research and what it tells us about aging and the strengths of the mature brain. Somehow the idea that aging is always accompanied by forgetfulness has worked its way into the social psyche. This is the book that disputes that depressing idea.

This book is a strong mixture of anecdote and scientific research in a format that is accessible and enjoyable. We are introduced to feisty 70 to 90 year olds, new information about brain activity, news thoughts about adult development, as well as suggestions for a healthy future.

Dr Cohen introduces us to four stages of adult development: Midlife reevaluation, Liberation, Summing up, and Encore. In each stage we meet individuals who are still developing and growing. The author also explores the strength of the brain in each phase. We are introduced to the notion that an older brain processes differently, but equally as well as a younger brain. We think differently as we age in that we have more information to link into a decision, and can use the parts of our brain in tandem more easily. We might lose some speed in our processing, but our wisdom, or the result of the processing, increases. We in fact often have better social intelligence.

The book ends with a plan for building a social portfolio and reinventing retirement. Cohn points out that most people do not truly retire, they just move into an encore stage doing things they want to do. The suggestions for keeping our brain active and strong are fairly easy: plan, build community infrastructure, build a balance social portfolio, stay engaged, continue long duration activities, give back to community, and keep learning. Through out the book is another concept, keep physically active. Cohen ends with comments on the importance of creativity.

This is a great book for anyone over 50, or anyone who is afraid of aging. It is also a good book for a developmental psychology course, especially at the graduate level. The research is solid and the presentation welcoming. I highly recommend this book