Cognition, Intelligence and Language

Ep 218: Good News for Older Folks

Guess what? There are a good number of positives to growing older. Let’s put aside all the negative stereotypes of older folks and realize that they can demonstrate a surprising level of “coolness” about life. There’s a certain perspective you get when you’re older that’s enviable. Older folks have passed many of life’s challenges and they can look back with satisfaction. But they also can have a surprising nonchalance about the challenges they face which we – as younger people – often think would make us terribly unhappy. Let’s take another look at aging and see it from a different light.


…researchers describe old people who live with health problems and other challenges with a kind of cool detachment. They are not defying their age, but rather they are able to rise above it with emotional nonchalance..- “Very Old and Very Cool…”

Resources Mentioned in this Episode


Michael

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3 Comments

  1. Michael

    May 4, 2014

    Here's a summary of the research in which older mice were given blood from younger mice and the memories of the older mice improved. Trials with humans are planned to hopefully combat dementia: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-27282832

  2. Michael

    May 4, 2014

    Toby: I remember seeing that study. I'll have to see if I can dig it up and link to it. And I remember "essence" from Dark Crystal. Now that's going back a bit…

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    Toby

    May 4, 2014

    Timely 'cast Doc. There was just the release of a study a couple days ago about putting blood from young mice into older mice – supposed to improve cognitive abilities. Scientists weren't sure what "factors" were relevant though. It reminded me of the "essence" from the Dark Crystal movie.

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