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)

Better towards the end

This book is pretty short, but the first couple hours were repetitive and seemed to go on forever. That part can be can be summarized as: 1.) Middle aged people misplace their keys and forget why they went to the basement; 2.) Middle age people have experience and patience, so they are really valuable; and 3.) All the author's friends and associates are professionals and have graduate degrees. I guess that makes them even more valuable in spite of losing their keys and forgetting why they went to the basement.


A couple hours in, she gets into a substantive review of some pretty interesting science around brains, dementia, and the care and feeding of our brains. The last three or four hours make up for the first couple.

Untapped resource.

Encouraging. If HR departments knew how to use these skills older workers possess the world would be a better place.

Fascinating and enlightening

As a 38 year old who's starting to really feel the changes in how my brain works I was obviously drawn to this book. But unlike most books on the subject this one was absolutely fascinating and a pleasure to listen to. The author uses the most up to date scientific studies which is of the utmost importance to me and the reader was a joy to listen to. It explains a lot about what happens to our brains during that phase of our lives and offers some good advice on how to stop certain types of decline that is rooted in science and not just holistic new age mumbo jumbo that most books of this genre tend to use. All in all I can't recommend this book more highly if you're in the 35-65 age range.

Grown up Life

Wow, this book really helped me understand those lapses in memory and plans to help keep the synapse sharp. It's actually very hopeful. Listen and learn

Listened twice then bought the book

Would you consider the audio edition of The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain to be better than the print version?

They each serve a different purpose. The book is good for reference and review, the audio for when your hands are busy and you want your brain entertained and informed.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked it all. Her stories were so down to earth and I could relate to them all despite the fact that I am well past the age 55 group the book targets.

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

I have incorporated many parts into the lectures I give on health and the brain.

Any additional comments?

One of my favorite "health" books.

Fantastic Book!

This book completely changed my understanding of what aging really is. It makes so much sense and better yet, is solidly backed by research, studies, and examples.

Not only does this book explain how aging brains get better with age (on the whole), but also HOW to implement changes in your own life to have a better, healthier mind and life.

This book made me cry.

Absolutely loved this book. You won't find any actual technique or recommendations but you'll learn so much about your middle aged brain, it will probably make you cry, just like it did to me.

it was just ok

I was hoping for more scientific studies and information. I wish the author went a little deeper into the studies of the brain. there want much I learned but the book was written well with anecdotal stories from the author.

Not a good review of any of the topics it proposes

It was very fatiguing to go through what since the beginning appeared as an incredibly "vane" book.
Not only none of the topics is presented with scientific rigor, but we are continuously interrupted with half personal stories coming from the author's social circles, something that can maybe find its place on a Vanity Fair article, but not in a book that claims to be about science.

Lightweight and repetitive

This book contains some interesting ideas, but they are repeated ad nauseam. Okay, okay! Even my middle-aged brain has got the point. Please move on. This would have been better as a magazine piece.