The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain

The Surprising Talents of the Middle-Aged Mind

By: Barbara Strauch

Narrated by: Nona Pipes

Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

A leading science writer examines how the brain's capacity reaches its peak in middle age. For many years, scientists thought that the human brain simply decayed over time and its dying cells led to memory slips, fuzzy logic, negative thinking, and even depression. But new research from neuroscientists and psychologists suggests that, in fact, the brain reorganizes, improves in important functions, and even helps us adopt a more optimistic outlook in middle age. Growth of white matter and brain connectors allow us to recognize patterns faster, make better judgments, and find unique solutions to problems. Scientists call these traits cognitive expertise and they reach their highest levels in middle age.

In her impeccably researched book, science writer Barbara Strauch explores the latest findings that demonstrate, through the use of technology such as brain scans, that the middle-aged brain is more flexible and more capable than previously thought. For the first time, long-term studies show that our view of middle age has been misleading and incomplete. By detailing exactly the normal, healthy brain functions over time, Strauch also explains how its optimal processes can be maintained.

Part scientific survey, part how-to guide, The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain is a fascinating glimpse at our surprisingly talented middle-aged minds.

©2010 Barbara Strauch (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Strauch tackles [loaded questions] with all the scientific instruments at her disposal...the latest findings neurological, biochemical, and psychological, with an illuminating dose of anecdote thrown in." (New Scientist)

"Provocative....A contender for every parent's reading list." (Newsday)

Recommended for all Ages

Since 2006 I have hosted the Brain Science Podcast, which has given me the opportunity to interview a wide variety of neuroscientists. While this book was written by a science journalist, not a scientist, I enjoyed the way she incorporated current research into a discussion of a subject that concerns almost everyone.

Strauch points out that as we get older we tend to worry about why we forget the names of people we know (and those of people we just met) and we seem to be more easily distracted, BUT we fail to notice our mental strengths.

In this book you will learn what the research shows about how for most of us, the gains outweigh the losses.

I have recommended this book to all my listeners.

Ginger Campbell, MD
Creator and Host of the Brain Science Podcast

Very interesting

I have really enjoyed listening to this book.
I found it very interesting and well written.
Very informative and instructive.
The narration is very good.
Highly recommended

Interesting and useful; a lot of filler

I found a lot of good info and perspective about both the psycho-biology of the aging brain, as well as societal expectations and acceptance of aging. But also a LOT of filler with repeated assertions and only scattered facts or evidence. That is not to say the author does not provide and evidence, just that it is disproportionate to the amount of opinion put forth.

Worth the read for the 20% content as it is something that (hopefully) relates to us all.

Enjoyable!

Already past 70 and having dealt with physical issues (back problems,, heart issues, vertigo) each condition was strong enough to immobilize me. Somehow I came to the conclusion that only a sharp brain will help me survive and function. Everything mentioned in this book works. Brain training, cardio workout, education, nutrition + social contribution, it worked beyond believe (didn't have expectations)...

A MUST read for anyone over 30-something!!

Where does The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I will read this book many times over - and not just because I'm middle-aged. This book is really fascinating, inspiring, and gives me hope that it's not all down hill from here. I intend on buying a copy to send to all of my friends and family.

I am younger than I thought

Where does The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Very good - near the top of the list

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain?

The exersice and brain function study and explaination

What does Nona Pipes bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She does a very good job narrating the story. She has mild inflections to show character shift. This type of book does not really have characters and other readers make the mistake of acting. I would listen to her read again.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain?

That I am younger than I thought and that my brain can be helped with exersice. There is no such thing a a mid life crisis.

Any additional comments?

I liked this book

Good, but needs to be abridged

There are some good ideas in there and its interesting, but the author continually restates her points over and over -- changing her words a little and using a different example. Enough is enough, say what you have to say and move on to the next topic. I'd say as much as 2/3rds of the book could be cut out.

Required listening

The book is incredible, the narrator even more so. Her middle aged brain shows off its gifts in full spades. Her delivery is relentlessly cheery and warm, as if an old (middle aged?) friend is having a chat with you, the listener.

Must read

If you are over 40 then you must read this to understand what happens to your brain but in a very easy to understand friendly way. It will absolutely cheer you up and make aging not such a hopeless future. Everyone in 40's, 50's, 60's and more read this book and it will give you lots of hope for the future.

Amazing information! What hope and encouragement!

I loved the book and how it was easily understood. The narrator also brought the material alive!