NeuroDevelopmental Movement consultants work with adults as well as children. This morning, here’s something for the adults to celebrate. Aging makes us wiser! Here’s the good news of the day:

Powers of the Aging Brain: The Good News

By Bette Lamont

It has long been believed that our brain declines in skill as we age. However, failing brain function is not normal, but is rather a sign of disease, injury, or neglect. Although we lose brain cells as we age, maturing brains compensate for cell loss in ways that actually increase brain function. As we age, the sheath around the nerve fibers grows thicker, improving the transmission of electrical signals in the brain. And the nerve fibers, or dendrites, grow new branches. As a result, the older brain has more interconnections for richer, deeper thinking.

Certain kinds of intelligence, however, do decline as we age. Some people slowly lose their ability to work out complex problems in theoretical mathematics, although their ability to do simple calculations isn’t impaired. What doesn’t deteriorate with age are applied skills such as law, medicine, engineering, architecture, etc. Areas that depend on interpretation, such as art, music, and drama, are actually enhanced as wisdom and judgment deepen. The ability to speak and write also improves from age 50 to 70. And philosophers don’t hit their stride until they reach 70 or 80.

With all of this good news, how can we help but celebrate the continuing growth and the emerging skills of the powerful aging brain?* For more information about improving the brain that has in fact suffered losses from injury or illness, call the Developmental Movement Center for information about restoring full brain function.

*Source: Mark, Vernon H., M.D., Brain Power, Houghton Mifflin