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)

Interesting

It's about brain research which can be kind of dry. This was easy enough to listen to, but was not as insightful as I had hoped.

Writer is indulging in faulty syllogistic baloney

What did you like about this audiobook?

The narrator had a pleasant voice, I suppose, but frankly I think I prefer to listen to the deeper timbre of a male voice. That was a surprise, given I give a LOT of speeches and know that my voice is decidedly 'female' (aka 'higher pitched'). hmmm.

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

It highlighted what I already knew, garnering a stronger sense of urgency. The problem is that too many people, no matter their AGE, buy into the bull that as you reach your 'middle years' (which the writer suggests is 40-thru-60s) you mentally slow down. I believe she confused MENOPAUSE with 'aging'. Hormonal replacement will help her, :).

Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?

NO. Unfortunately she appears to have written a book designed to entertain, but not backed up by FACTS, only by theories, and like so many theories (quantum theory comes to mind), it is not provable thus it is FICTION. Personally I do not have time to read FICTION and I certainly don't like having my time wasted by listening to FICTION. (In the case of Quantum Theory, think 'Science FICTION."

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

The narration was good, albeit I prefer a male voice.

Do you have any additional comments?

This is the kind of rhetoric that 'demeans' older people. I for one didn't like it when I heard it from others at a very young age. I was a professional programmer from the age of 12 on, and often heard baloney about 'older' programmers. Back then in the 60s I KNEW it was baloney, and I was offended because I felt it denigrated people who had vastly more experientially acquired UNDERSTANDING than I did... and even then I thought "one day they'll be saying this about ME". Now 53 years later, I find I have to fight back harder against the sheepule (most people ARE sheepule after all) who are wont to believe anything that others say particularly if said with the 'voice of authority' or frequently in public media/social media outlets. It is appalling that there are those who actually believe an 18 year old can know more about ANY subject than an expert in the same field who has many more years of experience. I was a great programmer at 12, but at 65 I am a phenomenal people leader, and I know it, even while, as I said, I have to fight back stronger than when I was in my teens-30s against being judged based on my age. THANKFULLY I have a LIFETIME of being judged on my SEX. It should be noted that personally I am a REAL feminist, in that I believe that men and women are created to be equal BUT different. Women are generally smarter than men (when they bother to learn how to use their brainpower) and men are always stronger than a woman of the same size/build. It is FACTUAL. There are compensating things one can do to 'balance out' such physical realities, of course. I have studied martial arts for 47 years now, AND carry (know how to use) a gun. I also spend an inordinate amount of time LEARNING. It is very important to constantly be learning something new, if you intend to keep your mind active throughout your life. Ditto for your body. I walk 5-6 miles EVERY day at a fast pace and have recently discovered, much to my chagrin, that people in their teens through 50s are frequently not as fit as ME. That is important. But even more important, I now realize I'm going to have to budget my time to write a book refuting these baloney claims about deteriorating mental abilities of people in their 'middle years' (btw I think the middle years are from 50-85 today in the first world). My family members in their 90s are emailing / texting me DAILY, and are not slipping mentally AT ALL, btw.