Unlock Your Potential: A Neuroscientist's Guide to Achieving Successful Aging

Warren Morrey: So much helpful info on aging

Canada on Nov 03, 2023

Roland MacInnis: Covers all the bases: nutrition, exercise, brain development, and socialization.

Canada on Nov 01, 2023

Sue Airey: Not just for older people! Remember we are all going to get there! Hopefully! So much to learn in this book. Going to read it again and again!

Spain on Apr 22, 2023

Norwenna: Contrary to implications by some other reader reviewers, there are practical tips concerning how to age successfully sprinkled throughout the book. For instance, when explaining that myelination decreases as we age, Dr. Levitin recommends eating good fats (e.g., fish oil) to help replenish the myelin and thus enhance neural transmission. I would call that a rejuvenation tip, and it's not just located in the last part of the book (I've only read 25 % of the book and I've noticed them throughout). Maybe those readers did not notice them because they already knew those tips; but there are a number that I was not aware of because they're based on recent research (I retired from teaching and researching psychology nearly 10 years ago).
I also like that the practical tips are accompanied by the reasons that they can be helpful in maintaining youthfulness: e.g., taking a walk in nature impacts all the senses, which in turn keeps the brain active, alert and healthy and stimulates it to make new connections. The references are not listed at the spot that the research is described, but the name of the scientist who claims it is there, so a google search can find the study. (And doing a...

United States on Jan 14, 2023

DESDES: “Successful Aging: A Neuroscientist Explores the Power and Potential Of Our Lives” is an interesting book that goes in-depth on how our brain works and how it changes as we age. Unfortunately, author Daniel Levitin shares more neuroscience than practical information about successful aging. You have to get to the appendix before the authors list ideas for rejuvenating your brain.

1. Don’t retire. Don’t stop being engaged with meaningful work.

2. Look forward. Don’t look back. (Reminiscing doesn’t promote health)

3. Exercise. Get your heart rate going. Preferably in nature.

4. Embrace a moderated lifestyle with healthy practices.

5. Keep your social circle exciting and new.

6. Spend time with people younger than you.

7. See your doctor regularly, but not obsessively.

8. Don’t think of yourself as old (other than taking prudent precautions)

9. Appreciate your cognitive strengths – pattern recognition, crystallized intelligence, wisdom, and accumulated knowledge.

10. Promote cognitive health through external learning: traveling, spending time with grandchildren, and immersing yourself in new...

United States on Nov 08, 2022

C.G.: Very well-written, a pleasure to read. The book treats different issues of aging people, it concerns each one of us.
D. Levitin goes deep in Neurosciences aspects to explain us what aging means for a human being, but remains understandable also if this domain in completely new for you. He gives multiple examples how persons live their aging with happiness and entrepreneurship. The biases that society stick to aging people are well described and give us keys to review our opinions.
D. Levitin also provides lots of advices to take better take care of yourself in this phase of your life. Very helpful and hopeful.

France on May 04, 2022

JEK: I like the elements that agree with the steps we have taken. Of course it is not a recipe and can make no guarantees. Many of us lack skills or energy that the author seems to take for granted. Will I take up all the activities -- probably not, but I do appreciate that life-long learning is a good approach. My wife has a lot more expertise on socio-medical aspects of neurology as well as experience in gerontology and she recommends it as well. Our parents would have benefitted from this advice to live longer and happier lives -- but they were too stubborn to ever change. And that is the downfall of a book like this. Don't read it without an open mind.

Canada on Feb 17, 2020

Robert G Yokoyama: I want to age successfully, and that is why I read this book. I can increase the neuroplasticity in my brain by learning some new things. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to change and adapt over time, I can increase neuroplasticity by learning to speak a new language. I grew up speaking Chinese, but I am hopeful that I can expand my vocabulary by taking lessons. I can also increase the neuroplasticity in my brain by performing in a theater. Learning how to memorize lines and movements can make the neural connections in my brain strong. I am proud of the fact that I have been working for over twenty years, and I am glad that the author says meaningful work is critical to longevity too. I will continue working, but I have been involved in pedestrian safety for people in wheelchair like myself. This secondary job sharpens my spatial, writing and speaking skills. This also increases the neuroplasticity in my brain and keeps me young.

I learned that high blood pressure can lead to hearing loss because the hair cells in my ear can stiffen. This piece of news is a wake up call for me because my blood pressure is slightly elevated. I will strive to keep walking and...

United States on Jan 18, 2020