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traceyo's review against another edition
5.0
Watching my parents both struggle with cognitive decline, I decided to pick up a book that might shed some light on the why and how of it all. Levitin does this in spades, all while offering inspiration and well-researched guidance as to what we can do to age as well as possible (quality rules).
The last lines of the book sum it up perfectly: "Hold on to your torch. Do not go gently. And don't forget to laugh. Whatever's going on around you, remember to laugh."
The last lines of the book sum it up perfectly: "Hold on to your torch. Do not go gently. And don't forget to laugh. Whatever's going on around you, remember to laugh."
cdeck's review against another edition
4.0
Solid book on the physical, psychological, and neurological aspects of aging. Very technical, most of it over my head, but interesting throughout and full of tips for cognitive health in the last 1/3.
kittymamers's review against another edition
3.0
täitsa okei lugemine oli, kuigi aega võttis üksjagu. suur osa sellest, mis räägiti, oli mulle enne teada ja tuttav ka, siin jälle alustatakse aju arengust ja omadustest ja jõutakse siis tasapisi välja sinna, et mis sellega vananedes juhtub ja mida võiks teha, et juhtuks vähem või hiljem või paremaid asju.
jälle peame nentima, et mingeid imelahendusi ei ole ja taas kord aitavad paremini vananeda needsamad asjad, mis nii üldiselt paremini elada aitavad - head inimsuhted, tähenduslik töö, füüsiline aktiivsus, mõistlik toitumine.
hästi palju näiteid oli autori enda tuttavatest vanainimestest, igasuguseid 80ndates eluaastas endiselt aktiivseid teadlasi, muusikuid, näitlejaid jne oli mainitud. kõik see kõlas usutavalt ja klappis sellega, mida ise olen elus märganud - tasub oma vanemaks saamist lihtsalt ignoreerida ja elada edasi, nagu senigi. võtan plaani.
jälle peame nentima, et mingeid imelahendusi ei ole ja taas kord aitavad paremini vananeda needsamad asjad, mis nii üldiselt paremini elada aitavad - head inimsuhted, tähenduslik töö, füüsiline aktiivsus, mõistlik toitumine.
hästi palju näiteid oli autori enda tuttavatest vanainimestest, igasuguseid 80ndates eluaastas endiselt aktiivseid teadlasi, muusikuid, näitlejaid jne oli mainitud. kõik see kõlas usutavalt ja klappis sellega, mida ise olen elus märganud - tasub oma vanemaks saamist lihtsalt ignoreerida ja elada edasi, nagu senigi. võtan plaani.
dimayj's review against another edition
5.0
This book covers a wide range of topics related to ageing including the neuroscience, psychology, and social aspects of ageing. It is divided into 3 parts: (1) The Continually Developing Brain, (2) The Choices We Make, and (3) The New Longevity. The first part covers personality, memory, perception, intelligence, emotions, pain, and how social factors relate to ageing. The second part covers the internal clock and circadian rhythm, diet, exercise, and sleep. The third part explores topics such as telomeres, genetics versus the environment, and potential drugs and technology for cognitive enhancement. The book ends with 10 actionable takeaways for "rejuvenating your brain".
The book is comprehensively researched and offers an exhaustive list of references at the end. It is very well-written and offers a balanced blend of science, storytelling, and actionable takeaways. The book also has an optimistic vibe as it focuses on the positive aspects of brain ageing. I think the book's title "The Changing Mind" captures the content more accurately than the other title "Successful Aging".
Few points to note: although the book is comprehensive, it doesn't cover epigenetics, there are no graphs or illustrations, and the introduction is extremely long-winded. Nevertheless, after reading the whole book, I'd say don't judge a book by its introduction. Normally, I would deduct a point due to these limitations, but the book for me was so enjoyable, interesting, and informative that I decided to give it five stars. I highly recommend it if you are interested in learning more about ageing especially in relation to how the brain changes with age.
The book is comprehensively researched and offers an exhaustive list of references at the end. It is very well-written and offers a balanced blend of science, storytelling, and actionable takeaways. The book also has an optimistic vibe as it focuses on the positive aspects of brain ageing. I think the book's title "The Changing Mind" captures the content more accurately than the other title "Successful Aging".
Few points to note: although the book is comprehensive, it doesn't cover epigenetics, there are no graphs or illustrations, and the introduction is extremely long-winded. Nevertheless, after reading the whole book, I'd say don't judge a book by its introduction. Normally, I would deduct a point due to these limitations, but the book for me was so enjoyable, interesting, and informative that I decided to give it five stars. I highly recommend it if you are interested in learning more about ageing especially in relation to how the brain changes with age.
benrogerswpg's review against another edition
4.0
It was great. Reminded me of David Brooks (The Second Mountain)
3.9/5
3.9/5
rogerjpatterson's review against another edition
4.0
This book addresses many aspects of aging, centering on Levitin's specialty of neuroscience and cognitive psychology, but extending to various physical and social aspects. Although Levitin coins the acronym COACH (for Curiosity, Openness, Attachments, Conscientiousness and Healthy habits) as an approach to successful aging, this is not so much a self-help book as a survey of developing science relating to the aging process on how behavior and treatment can affect the process. While Levitin cites numerous studies and critiques numerous instances of bad science posing as advice, he at least sometimes stumbles when he wanders into areas he is not familiar with, relying on accepted wisdom that is inaccurate (notable in comparing the olfactory abilities of humans and dogs). This is unfortunate because it raises questions about the accuracy of his pronouncements whenever he strays from his area of expertise, which he does often in a commendable attempt to be comprehensive.
Overall, this is a useful and engaging survey of what we know about the aging process and what we can and can't do to improve or lives as we age.
Overall, this is a useful and engaging survey of what we know about the aging process and what we can and can't do to improve or lives as we age.
jtisreading's review against another edition
4.0
This original book offers insight into the aging process from a neuroscientific view. Levitin is a great writer and researcher and provides a poignant and satisfying read. The last section on living forever became quirky, though it still maintained my interest. It simply didn't fit the book because part of aging is coming to accept death. However, this book offers some great advice as w look at age as less a number and more a process of living. Though I am just entering middle age, this book offers me a plan to combat deteriorative aging. It provides several suggestions for aging well, even in the face of disease and debilitation. I read this as outside research for a class, along with three other books, and this is the only one I would recommend.
pamiverson's review against another edition
3.0
A detailed look at the aging processes, various systems and cognitive functions. Basically that it should not be as scary as we think -- "use it or lose it," follow healthy eating, exercise, and mental
practices. Not sure what new information I gained, especially because some of it was quite detailed.
But I listened to it over 3 times of checking the book out of the library, so that probably detracted from my learning.
practices. Not sure what new information I gained, especially because some of it was quite detailed.
But I listened to it over 3 times of checking the book out of the library, so that probably detracted from my learning.
dixiet's review against another edition
5.0
Really excellent. So informative, honest, straight-forward, and useful. I'm 62 and this was a great time for me to read this book. I would recommend it for anyone, especially those 50 and up, but younger people can definitely benefit from it too.