Whether it is by learning a new language, traveling to a new place, developing a passion for beekeeping or simply thinking about an old problem in a new way, all of us can find ways to stimulate our brains to grow, in the coming year and those to follow. Just as physical activity is essential to maintaining a healthy body, challenging one’s brain, keeping it active, engaged, flexible and playful, is not only fun. It is essential to cognitive fitness.

In an Op Ed last week, neurological physician Oliver Sacks wrote about the resiliency of the brain and gave examples of how brains—yes, even older brains—can change and grow in the ability to do new things.  “Don’t leave learning to the young,” he admonishes.  

I certainly know this to be true in my own life and that of my friends.  One is painting for the first time as she turned 70, and she is good.  Another is writing her first book in her late fifties and editors are predicting publication and good sales.  Several of us have changed careers—not just moved laterally into a new area, but really changed.  From lawyer to novelist.  From travel writer to political activist.  I am still teaching, but my brain is dealing with a whole different subject area—law added to my literature background, technology added to my teaching.

Why bother?  Exercising my body makes me feel good all over.  Exercising my brain gives me an emotional lift.  It’s fun.  It makes me happy in my life.

Tags: adult learner, brain exercise, career change, healthy brain, learning

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 at 6:00 am and is filed under adult learners, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.