LifePower

Can Aging Brains Cut it in the Classroom?

Given the fact that memory and concentration skills decline with age, how difficult would it be for a person in their 50's to return to university to work on a master's degree?  And are there strategies that can be used to improve cognitive powers to be a top performing older student?

This question was posed in the Globe and Mail November 17, 2009.

You can read the answer here provided by Dr. Angela Troyer, a clinical neuropsychologist.  Difficulty with this link?  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/can-aging-brains-cut-it-in-the-classroom/article1365633/

Sadly one of North America's top geriatric psychiatrist's has died.  Dr. Gene Cohen, a visionary on aging - University of Washington DC died November 7, 2009 .  He enjoyed debunking the myth that aging means an inevitable decline of mind and body.  I met Gene several times and found him to be dynamic and engaging.  His obituary notice can be read here.

Retiring is "New Lease of Life"

The authors suggest that improving people's working conditions is essential if the burden of perceived ill-health is to be minimised at a time when societies are moving towards keeping people in the workforce for longer.

"Arguably the best option is to redesign working life for older workers to make it healthier and more satisfying than at present," said lead researcher Dr Hugo Westerlund, of the Stress Research Institute at Stockholm University.

Read the entire article from the BBC News...  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8352220.stm

6-Button Computer for Elders

An easy to use computer has been launched in Britain where the numbers of elderly outpace many other age groups.  The computer is designed to engage technology shy users to surf the net, send email and watch videos.

One of the first users will be the Duke of Edinburgh, now 88 years of age.  The stripped-down design, which is less prone to viruses than standard computers, is intended to appeal to the six million over-65s in Britain who have never used the internet.

Elderly people will be able to stay in touch with relatives overseas, and order their groceries online rather than having to traipse to the shops," says Valerie Singleton former TV producer and founder of Discount Age.

"Rather than the confusing boxes and jargon that pop-up appear when you load a Windows PC, our screens are fun, clear and useful."

The charity Age Concern and Help the Aged welcomed the launch, saying that anything which allowed elderly people to enjoy the financial and economic benefits of the internet should be applauded.

80 Most Influential Octogenarians

Seeing the photographs of the most distinguished people in America (who happen to be 80 and older), gives "ageism" a really bad name. Barbara Walters, Bob Barker, Joe Paterno... the list is a "who's who" of celebrities, authors, great thinkers, and long-lived achievers who continue to play an important role in our society. Who says being 80 is too old to be powerful? Not this crowd.

Having difficulty with the link?  Here it is: www.slate.com/id/2232918/